Colts: 3 slight surprises from Indy’s first official depth chart
By Mike Luciano
1. Al-Quadin Muhammad over Tyquan Lewis
With Justin Houston in Baltimore and second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo still injured, most observers expected Indianapolis to start the first-round selection and potential DROY Kwity Paye alongside former Day 2 pick Tyquan Lewis. Based on how camp went, Muhammad appears to have beaten out Lewis for the job.
Muhammad has spent the last three years with Indianapolis, recording 79 tackles and five sacks along the way. Still just 26 years old, he has plenty of good football left in the tank, and the team still seems to think he can be a good complement to Paye on the other side of the line.
Al-Quadin Muhammad has big shoes to fill this season for the Colts.
Muhammad will be backed up by Lewis and Rochell. While this isn’t exactly the 1985 Bears or 2000 Ravens as far as a pass rush collective is concerned, it should be enough to supplement Paye and Buckner in their quest to throw the quarterback to the turf.
While Muhammad looks ready to give that pass rush some extra juice, Lewis may be relegated to a rotational or situational role. Between Lewis, Kemoko Turay, and Ben Banogu, Ballard will need to answer questions about his Day 2 draft strategy and his ability to evaluate pass rushers.
