Colts: Did Shawn Davis just play himself off the 53-man roster?

As evidenced with picks like Quenton Nelson, Darius Leonard, Jonathan Taylor, Braden Smith, Ryan Kelly and Grover Stewart, among others, the Indianapolis Colts take great pride in building their roster through the draft.

As far as the 2020 class is concerned, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman and Julian Blackmon all look like foundational pieces.

While the jury is obviously still out on the 2021 class, first-rounder Kwity Paye has been unstoppable in camp and the preseason.

Additionally, third-rounder Kylen Granson has shown promise, Sam Ehlinger has surprised everyone by pushing Jacob Eason for the backup job and seventh-rounder Mike Strachan has the potential to be a difference-maker as a rookie.

Unfortunately, however, the same can’t be said for fifth-round safety Shawn Davis, who might be in danger of missing out on the 53-man roster after his nightmare performance against the Lions on Friday night.

Colts rookie Shawn Davis might be left off the 53-man roster.

This was a huge opportunity for Davis and to say he squandered it would be an understatement. From missing routine tackles, blown assignments in coverage and dropping a sure interception, Davis is likely giving the Colts’ coaching staff second thoughts about keeping him on the 53-man roster, which is noteworthy given how rare it is that teams give up on players just months after drafting them.

Let’s think about it out loud for a minute. If Blackmon, Khari Willis and George Odum, an All-Pro special-teamer, are locks to make the roster, that leaves one or two spots if the Colts decide to keep five safeties.

Andre Chachere is technically on the roster bubble, but we can’t picture a scenario where he doesn’t make the team given his performance in training camp and ability to line up anywhere in the secondary.

If there’s a fifth spot to be had, the nod should be given to Sean Davis so Indy has some semblance of a veteran voice in the backend of the defense. The sixth-year pro will turn 28 in October and is vastly more experienced than Blackmon, Willis, and Chachere, the eldest of whom (Willis) turned just 25 in May.

Not only does Davis have 42 career starts under his belt, but he’s been a consistent contributor on special teams throughout his career.

The Colts no doubt appreciate that versatility, so don’t be surprised if the rookie Davis is left off the 53-man roster. The Florida product could’ve solidified his place on the team with a dominant showing vs Detroit. Since he didn’t, he’ll likely miss the cut and begin the season on the Colts’ practice squad.

That’s just our guess, though. Anything’s possible.

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