Indianapolis Colts training camp is right around the corner as the team is set to officially begin the preseason work on July 25.
While we discussed the offensive storylines to watch, the defensive side of the ball might be even more intriguing—especially seeing as there will be heated competition at all three levels of the unit.
Here are five defensive storylines to watch at Colts training camp:
Roles in the CB room
The position with the most competition likely on either side of the ball is cornerback. Though there are some prominent names like Kenny Moore and Pierre Desir, every single role is up for grabs by those competing during training camp.
The Colts don’t have a solidified depth chart at cornerback entering training camp. Outside of Moore’s role, the spots are all up for grabs. This means guys like Rock Ya-Sin and Marvell Tell could rise up the depth chart. Nate Hairston and Jalen Collins, despite being lower on the chart, have a chance to make a name for themselves.
There will be plenty of competition on the defensive side of the ball, but the cornerback room likely holds the most intrigue.
Where will Ben Banogu line up most?
The rookie second-round pick will capture many eyes with his elite athleticism on the field during training camp, but the question remains: at what position?
The Colts had the TCU product splitting time between defensive end and SAM linebacker throughout the spring workouts. They might lean more toward defensive end after seeing some flashes working in an attacking front, which is much different than the read-and-react defense at TCU.
Banogu is an extremely talented athlete, giving him an opportunity to make an impact in some type of role. Where that will be, however, is the storyline to watch with the rookie.
More man coverage?
The Colts were primarily a zone-heavy defense during the first year under Matt Eberflus’ command as defensive coordinator. That is no secret. However, there could be some plans in the works to implement more man coverage in the secondary.
Given the type of lengthy, physical and athletic cornerbacks that have been brought in over the years, the Colts could be making their way to using more single-high coverage—providing a much different look than their typical two-high packages.
The Colts will still use zone coverage heavily and man coverage on third downs, but it will be interesting to see if there will be more of the latter entering 2019.
The battle at MIKE linebacker
While the cornerback room as a whole will have the most competition, there is one battle in the middle of the defense between two players that will have a lot of eyes. That will be between third-year linebacker Anthony Walker and rookie third-round pick Bobby Okereke.
Both with strengths in their respective games, the Colts are excited to see what comes of the competition in the middle. While Walker is strong leading the defense and working against the run, Okereke has strengths using his range and coverage skills.
The duo could be working in a platoon role to begin with, but the battle will be one of the more exciting aspects of training camp.
The quick impact of Justin Houston
There was a lot of hype leading the train with Houston during the spring practices. But now it’s time to strap on the pads and show just what he can bring to a defense that desperately needs a consistent pass rush.
The veteran is expected to be a starter at defensive end, focusing solely on rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage—an aspect he was a victim of in Kansas City’s 3-4 defense.
How quickly Houston can make his presence known remains to be seen, but the veteran will be leading one of the biggest storylines into training camp fresh off a new two-year, $24 million deal.
