Colts: 3 players facing an uphill battle at training camp

1. Ben Banogu

Ben Banogu has been a popular topic of conversation this offseason. Unfortunately for him, however, it’s been for all the wrong reasons, as his roster spot for 2021 is anything but guaranteed … even following the offseason departures of Justin Houston and Denico Autry.

In fact, if you asked us if Banogu had a better chance of being a Week 1 starter or a post camp casualty, we’d side with the latter and not even think twice about it. That’s a damning indictment against the 2019 second-rounder’s lack of development, as the Colts are prepared to unleash an entirely new rotation of pass rushers next season.

Colts DE Ben Banogu better impress during training camp.

During a podcast appearance a few months ago, Ballard was raving about Indy’s defensive line and didn’t even mention Banogu as a potential contributor. Perhaps it was an honest mistake or motivational tactic. Either way, his comments didn’t bode well for Banogu’s future.

Throw in the fact that Banogu played fewer snaps last season than he did as a rookie– he logged a 10% snap share in 2020 compared to 26% share two years ago — and you’ll come to the realization that the 25-year-old edge rusher has everything to play for at training camp. If he doesn’t show up, his roster spot will likely be given to someone more deserving.

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