The Indianapolis Colts are enjoying summer break before returning for training camp in just over a month, but there were some names that had strong outings this spring.
Though the spring workouts won’t win a job for any player, getting the momentum started with solid outings in OTAs and minicamp can be huge for those vying for a roster spot or significant role.
Here are seven winners from the Colts’ offseason workout program:
CB Rock Ya-Sin
The rookie second-round pick shined throughout the team portion of OTAs and minicamp. Every time the media was allowed to watch practice, it seemed Ya-Sin was coming away with an interception.
The Temple product also was one of the few rookies to see some time on the first-team defense, which couldn’t be said for the majority of the class. He’s already been making a solid impact in the eyes of his teammates, who have had nothing but praise for the rookie.
It remains to be seen where Ya-Sin will fall into the competition when training camp arrives and the pads come on, but the second-round pick will be coming off of a strong spring effort.
CB Nate Hairston
Another player that needed to have a strong spring in order to be in the thick of the competition for a roster spot, Hairston did just that during OTAs and minicamp.
Also a product of Temple, Hairston held a significant role in the defensive gameplan during the first half of the 2018 regular season but was benched during the Week 8 road matchup against the Oakland Raiders. His season suffered after that as he failed to play more than six snaps in any game during the second half.
Now, Hairston is likely fighting for his life on the roster in what is expected to be an extremely crowded cornerback room. Can he keep it going enough to claim one of the final spots?
TE Mo Alie-Cox
The spring workouts provided Alie-Cox with the perfect opportunity to show what kind of developments he has made in his game. With starters Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron being held out due to injuries this spring, Alie-Cox was the TE1 in the room.
The former VCU basketball standout shined throughout the spring practices showing off improved route running and reliable hands. He will need to continue improving his route running, but it has gotten to a point where head coach Frank Reich felt it deserved to be praised.
The Colts have a deep tight end room entering training camp, but it will be interesting to see if Alie-Cox can push the top of the room for playing time once the preseason arrives.
WR Chester Rogers
One of the positions that should feature some of the fiercest competition at training camp, wide receiver will be filled with players looking to grab roles in the room. Rogers will be coming off of a solid spring outing in both OTAs and minicamp.
Behind T.Y. Hilton, no wide receiver truly separated themselves from the pack. Devin Funchess was up and down while Parris Campbell saw limited time on the first team. However, Rogers was consistent throughout the five weeks of team workouts.
Some might believe Rogers is in danger of losing a roster spot given the influx of new talent in the room, but he will be riding a hot spring outing into training camp.
RB Marlon Mack
The Colts have made it clear how the backfield will start out during the season. Mack will be the leader of the room much like he was during the second half of the regular season with the rest of the room filling in the roles behind him.
Head coach Frank Reich continued to reiterate the point that Mack will be leading the room despite the signing of Spencer Ware following the 2019 NFL Draft.
Truly healthy this offseason, Mack will have a chance to be a major asset on the offensive side of the ball, especially given how much the Colts want to run the ball in 2019.
LB Bobby Okereke
Outside of some off the field news regarding Okereke, the Stanford product had a solid spring. It has even been reported that he has seen the most first-time action among all the rookies coming in this spring.
The Colts linebacker corps is one that could undergo big changes in the room with the arrival of three new players during the draft. Okereke appears to be the one making the most progress as he’s worked both as a MIKE and WILL linebacker during the spring workouts.
Okereke will likely have his best chance to make an impact on passing downs given his range and speed, but he’s also in the competition to see some early-down work as well.
CB Jalen Collins
Another cornerback that will be fighting for his roster spot when the preseason arrives, Collins finished off the spring workouts on a very high note with the strong showing in minicamp.
After the Colts signed Collins during the mid-way point of the 2018 regular season, he spent the entire time on the practice squad until signing a futures contract in January. His roster spot is in jeopardy given how crowded the room is, but he had a strong spring.
How much of an impact he can make during the competition remains to be seen, but Collins doesn’t appear to be going down without a fight.
