The Indianapolis Colts are expected to begin training camp on July 28 and if there are no hiccups with the coronavirus, then the competitions for starting roles will quickly be underway.
Training camp battles are always intense and while it includes players from the same team battling for the same goal, several of these players are fighting for their jobs. Even with the depth the Colts have, there are several starting roles up for grabs in all three phases of the game.
Here’s a look at six starting spots up for grabs at Colts training camp:
RB1
Main competitors: Marlon Mack, Jonathan Taylor
This one is a bit of a cop-out because even the player who winds up “losing” this battle will still have a significant role in the offense. Mack is the incumbent starter in the backfield coming off of a 1,091-yard, eight-touchdown season while Taylor is the shiny new draft pick.
Both players are talented enough to be the bellcow in an offense. Mack has proven that over the last two seasons while Taylor is the most productive three-year running back in college football history. The most likely outcome is that they will split time on early downs with Taylor likely seeing slightly more work in the passing game.
Regardless, both players are likely to have a role early on in the backfield. Whoever is proving to be more productive could get the hot hand in the second half of the regular season.
Prediction: Both split time in first half, Taylor takes over as lead back after Week 8.
WR2
Competitors: Michael Pittman Jr., Zach Pascal
The Colts couldn’t have been happier to turn in the virtual draft card with Pittman Jr.’s name on it when they were on the clock to begin Day 2 of the draft. From his skill set as an X receiver to his mentality and work ethic off the field, Pittman Jr. was the perfect prospect from the jump.
While the majority of fans and analysts—myself included—believe the rookie will have a starting role from the jump, he will have to earn it. That means he will have to beat out Pascal for the X role on the boundary.
Pascal led the team in receiving yards in 2019 and proved he is a strong asset in the passing game. He won’t go down without a fight even if Pittman Jr. is considered the heavy favorite.
Prediction: Pittman Jr. proves us right and is the WR2 in Week 1.
WR3
Competitors: Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal
Yes, Pascal will be battling for two spots essentially in the passing game. While he will be battling with Pittman Jr. for the X-receiver role on the boundary, he will also be competing with Campbell for the third-most targets in the wide receiver room.
This is despite Campbell and Pascal lining up in different spots in the formation. While Pascal saw the majority of his work on the outside in 2019, Campbell is expected to see more time in the slot with the addition of Pittman Jr. this offseason.
So while they will essentially be playing different positions in the offense, Campbell and Pascal will be competing for the WR3 role on the depth chart.
Prediction: Campbell serves as WR3 while Pascal provides depth as WR4.
TE2
Competitors: Trey Burton, Mo Alie-Cox
The Colts already know who the alpha in the tight end room is. That would be Jack Doyle. But we also know how important the tight end position is in Frank Reich’s offense. Having a complementary piece alongside Doyle is necessary.
Just before the draft, the Colts signed Burton, who has a history working with Reich, to a one-year deal. Burton’s skill set mirrors closely to Eric Ebron’s more than it does Doyle—making him an intriguing complement as a flex tight end.
But Alie-Cox is continuing his progression as a receiver. His size, length and strength makes him a solid blocker but his athleticism gives him a high ceiling as a pass-catcher. It’s all a matter of how much development his game can undergo in 2020.
Prediction: Burton plays more snaps at TE2 than Alie-Cox.
NT1
Competitors: Grover Stewart, Sheldon Day
In 2019, the Colts saw the emergence of Stewart as a productive interior defensive lineman working from the one-technique. Now, that starting role is his to lose in 2020, but he won’t be without his competition.
In an effort to add depth to the position, the Colts signed Day to a one-year contract this offseason. Though Stewart should still be considered the favorite, Day is no slouch when it comes to defending the run.
Both players are likely to see work in a rotation at the one-technique alongside newly-acquired interior pass rusher DeForest Buckner, but only one can be the starter.
Prediction: Stewart emerges as the starter from Day 1.
MIKE LB
Competitors: Anthony Walker Jr., Bobby Okereke
This is one of the most intriguing battles the Colts have at training camp. It’s a classic tale of a veteran on a contract year going against a young player who showed promise during his rookie campaign.
Since Walker Jr. took over the starting duties as the MIKE in 2018, he has been extremely productive. He combines a solid run-stopping pedigree with leadership and intelligence in the middle of the field—two aspects that cannot be understated.
Okereke, however, fits the mold of linebackers that the Colts like. He’s lengthy, rangy and has more upside as a pass-defender. He showed a lot of promise during the second half of his rookie campaign and now many are wondering if he will be the starter in 2020.
Prediction: Walker Jr. retains the starting role while Okereke is still in the rotation before taking over starting duties in 2021.
Kicker
Competitors: Rodrigo Blankenship, Chase McLaughlin
The only reason this is remotely intriguing is because whoever wins this battle will be the immediate successor to future Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri, who doesn’t appear to be in the Colts’ plans in 2020.
McLaughlin already had a stint with the Colts during the final month of the regular season in 2019 when Vinatieri went on the injured reserve list. He proved to be a solid performer during that time, converting five of six field-goal attempts and all 11 of his extra points.
But his competition comes with a strong pedigree. Blankenship was the 2019 Lou Groza award winner, which is given to the best placekicker in college football. He converted all 200 of his extra-point attempts during his career at Georgia.
Prediction: Blankenship wins because of his rec specs.
