As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the upcoming offseason, one of the objectives over the next few months will be adding depth to the safety room, which is currently the thinnest room on the defensive side of the ball.
There will be some free agent targets for the Colts, but there is also a chance they turn to the 2019 NFL Draft to add some young depth to the backend of the secondary. General manager Chris Ballard will get a good look at some of the top talent in the class at the NFL Combine, which starts Feb. 26.
Here are nine safeties the Colts should watch at the NFL Combine:
Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State: Likely the hardest hitting safety in the class, Abram is a high-motor player that is likely best suited for a Cover 2 defense. He could project as a box safety in nickel packages. He’s strong against the run while playing with immense physicality.
Nasir Adderley, Delaware: Adderley brings physicality, a high-motor and versatility to the secondary. He can play deep half-safety or near the line of scrimmage. A strong and physical tackler, Adderley also has solid ball skills that make him an intriguing fit for a young Colts defense.
Taylor Rapp, Washington: At 6’0 and 212 pounds, Rapp is a solid run defender, which is likely the best part of his game. He can improve his stock at the Combine by showing more athleticism, which has been noted as a lacking part of his game.
Marquise Blair, Utah: Better suited as a single-high safety, Blair has issues as a tackler. He sometimes can be over-aggressive in pursuit but has admirable size and length for a safety. He also has an injury history, but should be able to show off some athleticism at the Combine, which could help his stock.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida: A prospect that can shoot up draft boards with a solid Combine week, Gardner-Johnson has immense versatility being able to play deep or in the box. Gardner-Johnson also has shown excellent ball skills, which should appeal to Ballard.
Mike Edwards, Kentucky: With solid ball skills and a strength playing against the run, Edwards is intriguing for the Colts’ two-high system. He’s limited athletically, but could still work with a high motor and even contribute in the slot in man coverage on third downs, something Indy did a lot during the second half. Testing well will raise his stock as he’s not considered one of the top athletes in this class.
Amani Hooker, Iowa: Solid size and ability to make plays on the ball, Hooker recorded six interceptions in his final two seasons. He’s been pegged as an ideal fit for teams running heavy Cover 2 working as a deep half-safety or shallow zones.
Mike Bell, Fresno State: With good size, Bell is better suited as a split zone safety that can also make plays against the run. Bell has strong ball skills and a high-motor, two traits that will pop in Ballard’s eyes. He will need to test well to show his athleticism won’t project to be an issue.
Will Harris, Boston College: After a strong Senior Bowl, Harris can continue raising his pre-draft stock with a strong showing at the Combine. He might be better suited playing in the box or as a dime safety, but he’s a Day 3 prospect to keep an eye on.
