The Indianapolis Colts have another deep room on the defensive line with plenty of depth, as Chris Ballard continues to keep his word on depth “in the trenches.” We have another year of likely double-digit players staying on the active roster on potentially both lines of scrimmage. You will never get an argument from me about the importance of this aspect of professional football. Any football junkie (me included) will glaze over the technical prowess of playing football at the line of scrimmage.
With such a large room, it’s difficult to find a meaningful camp battle. We could mention how Tim Smith has an uphill battle, as does Adetomiwa Adebawore and potentially Neville Gallimore. However, I think there might be one other to watch with so many moving parts coming for the opening day roster.
Let’s dive into a potential battle for the main rotational edge rusher. We saw Laiatu Latu have that role last season, and he was able to get acclimated at the proper speed. There are two players that fit that bill this season, with Latu moving to a three down rusher role alongside Kwity Paye.
The Case For Samson Ebukam
Let’s first preface this by saying, I do believe Tyquan Lewis will have a massive role, but will be a situational rusher. As for Ebukam, he is coming off an Achilles injury that kept him out all last season. He is in a contract year, and looking to return to his 2023 form, a season where he had career highs in snaps, tackles and sacks. The fanbase thought this was the pass rusher that would be that needed security blanket, but injuries derailed him.
There is also a chance that Ebukam doesn’t make the team if his Achilles is not healed. I do think he will make the team, but as deep as this room is, you must take it into consideration. Ebukam can keep the veteran’s presence in that room, but he will need to learn a new scheme as well. Most players see their uptick from an Achilles injury two years after the injury, and Ebukam will need to fast-track that to this season.
The Case For JT Tuimoloau
There's an important thing we should mention before we discuss the case for JT. He has yet to sign his rookie contract; in fact, he is one of 29 second round picks that have refused to sign their rookie contract. Many are holding out for fully guaranteed contract money (which is unheard of). He will likely get the contract done sooner rather than later, especially with rookie Alfred Collins setting the tone with a nearly fully guaranteed contract. As many say in the NFL, deadlines spur action.
As for his case, it’s a simple one. I suspect they will take a similar approach to JT that they took with Latu last season. There will be an easing-in period he will need to adjust to. Length of season, speed, and comprehension of the scheme will typically stunt the growth of most rookies.
He is no stranger to pressure and adapting to game situations. JT played at Ohio State, and was a key piece of last season’s championship title team. In fact, he recorded 6.5 sacks in the four playoff games. When the lights were shining brightest, he showed up and delivered. It’s his overall talent that could put him over the edge to the #3 spot on the edge rushers.
Final Prediction
I can see this battle going into the season to allow JT to get some real NFL snaps and see how he can make a difference. With Ebukam coming off the injury and JT looking to really make an early impact, it gives the early edge to JT. Another point to mention is JT was drafted by this new defensive staff and with the short leash of the staff, they may look at the player that will have some instant impact for them.