We continue our training camp preview by looking at the Indianapolis Colts’ safety position and one of its newcomers who could play quite a bit this season.
Name: Khari Willis
Position: S
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 213
Age: 23
Year Drafted: 2019 (fourth round)
Background
In a way, you can say Willis was always meant to be a Colt. Between his uncle being Colts Ring of Honor inductee Bill Brooks and a mix of play-making and versatility that fits this team’s defense to a tee, Willis has landed in a situation which is non-biasedly better than other rookies in his class.
And when discussing his skills, it’s obvious to understand why general manager Chris Ballard chose to trade up 20 spots in order to draft him. Not only did the Michigan State product thrive in pass coverage via his 13 pass breakups and four interceptions between 2017–18, but Willis was always there to make a tackle.
During that same stretch, the two-time All Big-Ten honorable mention selection produced 155 total tackles and four sacks.
2019 Outlook
Willis will certainly have his chances to impress the Colts’ coaching staff, but he’s facing an uphill battle. Between the three-headed monster in Malik Hooker, Clayton Geathers and Matthias Farley leading the way at safety and another newcomer in Marvell Tell joining the action, Willis probably won’t see much playing time if it isn’t on special teams.
But that doesn’t mean, he shouldn’t stay prepared. The Colts’ main three options at safety (as said above) all have their share of injury problems and if it, unfortunately, occurs again, then that certainly opens the door for Willis to come in and make an impact. Keep in mind, all three veteran safeties have suffered season-ending injuries before.
Bottom Line
Anybody associated with the Colts should manage their expectations for Willis in the very beginning. This season could end up in any way possible for him but if he somehow gets some playing time and plays decently at least, then we should all be excited about Willis and his future with the Colts.
It’s just a matter of having patience and knowing what’s happening ahead of him.
