3 position battles for Colts that are starting in OTAs
Khari Willis will try to hold off Nick Cross
When the Colts traded up into the third round to pick Nick Cross in the 2022 NFL Draft, the clock for Khari Willis’ time in Indianapolis started ticking.
Willis was drafted in the fourth round by Indy in the 2019 Draft and he has been the Colts starting strong safety since his rookie year. However, he has one year remaining on his deal, and Indy moving up to get Cross shows that they may be preparing to move on.
However, just because Willis has a year remaining does not mean he’s guaranteed to ride that year out as the starter. If Cross is as talented as Indy believes he is and he can quickly pick up the system, he may bump Willis out of the lineup early.
Cross has blazing speed and can play the run from depth while also defending the pass. He’ll be the latest of young explosive defenders added to Indy’s secondary.
The challenge for Cross will be adjusting to the professional game, and that starts in OTAs. If he takes quickly to the defense, makes plays, and carries it over into training camp, he may be able to take the position from Khari Willis.
