As Indianapolis Colts training camp officially begins in exactly two weeks, there will be several competitions and position battles to keep an eye on with many players looking to solidify roster spots.
We took a look at the players that had the most to gain from a strong showing a training camp. Now, we take a look at the Colts who have the most to lose once it begins on July 25.
WR Devin Funchess
When looking at the roster on paper, most would likely pencil in Funchess as the WR2 behind T.Y. Hilton. However, he won’t be given anything once training camp begins, and he failed to create any sort of separation in the competition during the spring workouts.
Funchess has the tools to be a dynamic and impactful player for the Colts. He has the support of head coach Frank Reich and the skillset to earn a starter’s role. But there is also a high chance he fails to solidify himself as the starter.
While guys like Deon Cain, Parris Campbell and Chester Rogers battle for roles, none of them are expected to be the WR2. Funchess is, and he will need to make good on that expectation once July 25 rolls around.
S Clayton Geathers
After re-signing on an extremely cheap one-year deal this offseason, Geathers is still expected to be the starter at safety alongside third-year player Malik Hooker.
While the Colts didn’t invest heavily in the safety room—outside of fourth-rounder Khari Willis—there is still the chance Geathers fails to retain the starting role. Whether that be due to injury or the Colts simply wanting to use a rotation, Geathers enters training camp needing to prove he’s the guy.
There is no questioning his talent once he’s on the field, but the veteran safety has a lot to lose if he can’t stay on the field.
CB Quincy Wilson
The Colts used a second-round pick on Wilson during the 2017 NFL Draft hoping he would quickly work into a starter’s role. He hasn’t done that and now enters his third season battling for a role in the secondary.
Wilson is far too talented to be cut at this point in his career. But a starting job role at cornerback is far from guaranteed. With Kenny Moore locking up the slot and guys like Pierre Desir and Rock Ya-Sin also vying for roles on the outside, Wilson must have a strong training camp to continue the progress he made down the stretch of his second season.
The Florida product is still young (22 years old) and development is still taking place, but there is a chance he enters his third season holding a reserve role yet again.
DE Kemoko Turay
The second-year defensive end has an extremely high ceiling in the attacking front for the Colts. He enters training camp looking to bounce back from a rookie season that should have been far more productive before injuries settled in.
With Jabaal Sheard returning and the addition of veteran Justin Houston, the Colts have their starters on the edge. And while a rotation will be used, Turay is still fighting for a solidified role as a pass rusher. One could argue Al-Quadin Muhammad and Gerri Green are all in the same situation as Turay, just without the high draft capital.
Turay is immensely talented and still developing his game, but it’s at least possible he could lose out on significant playing time with a poor showing at training camp, regardless of how hard he’s worked this offseason.
LB Anthony Walker
The former fifth-round pick emerged as a strong starter next to Darius Leonard in the middle of the defense and while there is no denying he’s a talented player, Walker is going to be fighting for his starting role once training camp begins.
The Northwestern product is working mostly as the MIKE linebacker. However, rookie third-round pick Bobby Okereke will also be vying for that spot. Given the latter’s proficiency in pass coverage, Walker’s every-down position is in jeopardy.
A strong leader and communicator, Walker is an ideal early-down MIKE. But unless he improves his coverage game, Okereke will be there waiting to take snaps away.
