NFL training camp kicks off soon as the new season approaches, and with OTAs and minicamps completed, training camp offers players looking to establish a roster spot one of the last opportunities to do so. The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of position-group competition ongoing, and for some players, they're looking to gain an edge before training camp even starts.
The Colts have a unique situation on their hands, given how empty they were at certain position groups after last season ended and before free agency opened. One thing the Colts did well during free agency was add plenty of depth on defense. It wasn't until the NFL draft, though, that they added more promising long-term options at needed positions, such as linebacker and the defensive line.
Now, as these rookies and free agents battle it out for starting or rotational spots, there are some who can raise their stock before training camp begins. Others have already raised their stock and should be considered top candidates to win a full-time starting role with the Colts next season.
These Indianapolis Colts players may use training camp to prepare for a role they already won
Arden Key, Edge
One of the most important defensive position competitions ongoing with the Colts is at edge opposite Laiatu Latu. As for who is starting on the other side of the defensive line, it will be between second-year player Jaylahn Tuimoloau and six-year veteran Arden Key. The latter was brought in as a free agent this summer and has every chance to earn a role he's rarely held in his career.
Looking back at Tuimoloau's rookie season, it would be fair to question whether he's ready to take on a full-time starting role on the Colts' defensive line. Key, on the other hand, though he has never played as a full-time starter himself, has his best chance yet to be a starter with the Colts based on his experience.
Key is expected to beat out Michael Clemons, but he may have already established his spot through OTAs and minicamps. The veteran appears on track to be a starter for the first time in his career.
Justin Walley, CB
The Colts are set at their starting cornerbacks with Sauce Gardner and Charvarious Ward, and no one is beating them out. That said, everything is up for grabs behind them, as Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, and Cameron Mitchell are all competing for backup roles, as is Justin Walley, whom the Colts were and still are high on.
If not for tearing his ACL last year, wiping away his rookie season, Walley would have one full season under his belt already.
Unfortunately, due to that injury, Walley is competing again. That said, according to Colts sources, Walley is fully healthy and ready to play. Furthermore, according to Lou Anarumo, Walley hasn't shown much of a drop-off and has picked up right where he left off.
That's great news for Walley, whom the Colts want to be a part of their plans. So far, so good for the second-year cornerback. With Training Camps just ahead, his stock is already pretty high, but could rise even higher.
Bryce Boettcher, LB
With CJ Allen expected to start at middle linebacker for the Colts and Akeem Davis-Gaither beside him, that leaves the other side open for someone to break through and take hold of that starting role. Indianapolis’s 135th overall draft pick, Bryce Boettcher, could be that player if he keeps up the level of offseason work he's been putting in so far.
The reporting out of Indianapolis is that the rookie has done nothing but impress, and he's making a legitimate push not just to gain playing time next season, but to become the second rookie to start at linebacker. With training camp about to kick off, Boettcher should need just one more push to get there, considering he started raising his stock fairly high back when OTAs were running.
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