Indianapolis Colts rookie Ben Banogu finds himself in a peculiar situation during the spring workouts as he’s yet to solidify which position he’s best suited for.
When the Colts selected Banogu in the second round of the 2019 draft, they had ideas to use him primarily at SAM linebacker given his size, speed and athleticism. They also were going to use him as a defensive end in pass-rushing situations.
With OTAs wrapping up this week, the Colts have been keeping Banogu exclusively at defensive end because they’ve liked what they’ve seen.
“It started out more linebacker then it was more, ‘Hey, let’s make it a little of both,'” said coach Frank Reich on Tuesday. “He’s really been flashing at defensive end so there’s been a little bit of an emphasis. So your observation is the right one. There has been an emphasis there.”
The TCU product was evaluated by most as a defensive end. However, the Colts wanted to also use him in space working as a SAM linebacker alongside Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker, which would have them use more of a traditional 4-3 front.
With Banogu’s speed and athleticism, the Colts figured to use him all over the front both as a defensive end and a linebacker, but it has been more of the former throughout the spring. That could change when the pads come on during training camp, but right now that’s where Banogu is seeing most of his work.
Where the rookie will wind up remains to be seen, but the Colts appear to be fond of using him more as a defensive end right now in the process.
