The Indianapolis Colts are likely to be emphasizing the defensive side of the ball when making their moves this offseason looking to add depth and talent to an extremely young unit.
One area the Colts could afford to add some depth to is the cornerback room. While they played well toward the second half of the season, the room is thin with depth and with Pierre Desir possibly leaving, there is a chance the position becomes more of a priority.
With the NFL Combine taking place next week, here are eight cornerbacks the Colts should watch:
Deandre Baker, Georgia
If there is a cornerback in the 2019 NFL Draft that fit perfectly into the Colts’ defensive scheme and in what general manager Chris Ballard likes at the position, it’s Baker.
A stud from the SEC that excels in press coverage, Baker would work extremely well in the zone-heavy scheme run by Indy. With solid arm length and physicality at the line of scrimmage, Baker might be a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with his play.
Baker has solid ball skills to go along with strong technique at the line of scrimmage. He’s a strong defender against the run and one of the few cornerbacks worthy of the Colts’ first-round pick.
Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
Oruwariye has a bit more size that the position, which matches well with his physicality at the line of scrimmage. He shows solid footwork and really strong body control, which helps him change directions with ease.
Oruwariye has excellent size for the position coupled with admirable arm length to help redirect receivers in press coverage. He’s an excellent fit in a zone scheme, which should make him a popular choice for the Colts after the first round.
The Penn State product has a knack for making plays on the ball as well. He’s aggressive at the catch point while also understanding the timing of playing the ball in the air.
Julian Love, Notre Dame
With a high football IQ and fluidity throughout all of his movements, Love is an intriguing fit for the Colts. He can play in both a man and zone scheme with a motor that would help him thrive in Matt Eberflus’ no-loafing defense.
Love has solid size for the position, and he’s able to couple that with strong ball skills. He might not possess great long speed, but he has a quick first step and is able to recognize plays quickly.
Love is an intriguing prospect for the Colts on Day 2 as he would likely transition nicely into their zone-heavy scheme, though it might take some development.
Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
Mullen is also an intriguing fit for the Colts on what will likely be Day 2 of the draft. He’s got a solid mix of height and length that allows him to win with quickness in press coverage.
There are some inconsistencies to Mullen’s game, especially when it comes to his footwork. He’s also struggled with disengaging from blocks in run defense, especially against bigger wide receivers, but he’s still a physical corner, which goes a long way.
Mullen might not be a starter from the beginning, but he could eventually work to turn into a capable starting option. His draft stock would benefit with a strong athletic outing at the Combine.
Lonnie Johnson, Kentucky: An extremely long cornerback with a fit for zone coverage, Johnson has plenty of improvements to make, but his ability to defend against the run along with his size and length makes him an intriguing fit on Day 3.
Mike Jackson, Miami (FL): One of the cornerbacks flying under the radar entering the combine, Jackson would be a strong fit for the Colts’ scheme as a player that could provide immediate depth. Strong in press with solid size and physicality make him a prospect to watch.
JoeJuan Williams, Vanderbilt: Elite size for a cornerback, Williams has solid length and can show the ability to mirror well at times. He’s extremely physical and willing in run support but needs to show he can be strong athletically at the Combine.
Rock Ya-Sin, Temple: Inexperienced but with solid size and length, Ya-Sin had a strong Senior Bowl and will look to continue raising his stock at the Combine. He’s a developmental piece but could one day turn into a formidable starter.
