The five biggest Colts training camp battles to watch that will each have a massive impact on the team's 2025 season
This upcoming training camp feels like the most important of recent memory for the Indianapolis Colts. Getting their roster up to speed on both sides of the ball, with the goal of getting off to a hot start, is crucial, as multiple people's jobs going forward seem to be tied to a successful 2025 season. With […]
This upcoming training camp feels like the most important of recent memory for the Indianapolis Colts.
Getting their roster up to speed on both sides of the ball, with the goal of getting off to a hot start, is crucial, as multiple people's jobs going forward seem to be tied to a successful 2025 season. With Training camp two weeks away from kicking off, I shared the top five position battles that I think fans should have on their mind, including which players are involved, and my personal way-too-early prediction for who will win each of the five jobs.
5 biggest upcoming Colts training camp battles
Starting QB
Battle: Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones
If you hear a national sports outlet talking about the Colts right now, 9/10 it's been about their upcoming battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones to be the team's starting QB in 2025. Ever since the Colts decided to sign Jones in free agency, it's been the most interesting talking point surrounding the team. With Richardson having to miss mandatory minicamp due to shoulder soreness, some believe he will start behind in this race when training camp begins. There was some initial worry that Richardson's shoulder might keep him out of the beginning of training camp; thankfully, he seems to have avoided that fate.
If he had to miss the start of training camp, I would not only have believed he was starting behind in the race, but I would have believed he had an uphill battle ahead. He is expected to be out there on day one of training camp, ready to compete with Jones, though, which is precisely what the Colts want to see. Many are already penciling in Jones as the Colts' Week 1 starter, but I personally still believe this is Richardson's job to lose.
Way too early battle winner prediction: Anthony Richardson
Second starting outside CB
Battle: Jaylon Jones vs. Juju Brents vs. Justin Walley vs. Samuel Womack
Outside of QB, I believe the Colts' second outside CB battle will be their most intense of the year. One reason is the importance of the position to the success of their defense, but secondly, because four players have a realistic shot at winning the job.
It will be interesting to see how the Colts handle this battle and how they distribute the first-team reps early in training camp. Typically, you'd assume last year's starter would get the first crack at it, which would be Jaylon Jones, but with a new defensive coordinator (Lou Anarumo) and a new scheme, everyone is essentially starting at level zero. Which is precisely what rookie Justin Walley wants to hear as he begins his NFL career battling for a starting job. If you asked me to rank the four players from 1, being who I think wins the job, to 4, being who I think finishes at the bottom of this group, this is how I would have it at the moment: 1. Justin Walley, 2. Jaylon Jones, 3. Samuel Womack, 4. Juju Brents.
Way too early battle winner prediction: Justin Walley
Starting center
Battle: Tanor Bortolini vs. Danny Pinter
The Colts allowed long-time starting center Ryan Kelly to walk in free agency, which opened the door for the team to go younger at the position this season. I, for one, was somewhat shocked to hear that the team was planning a battle at center, given Tanor Bortolini's impressive performances when his number was called as a rookie. But offensive line coach Tony Sparano has already stated that Bortolini will be competing with veteran Danny Pinter in training camp. In the end, I think we would all be shocked if Bortolini isn't victorious and starting at center come Week 1 vs. the Miami Dolphins.
Way too early battle winner prediction: Tanor Bortolini
Starting LB
Battle: Jaylon Carlies vs. Segun Olubi
The Colts' approach at LB this offseason was strange, to say the least. Despite losing a starter and their top rotational LB, the team didn't add an LB with NFL starting experience in free agency, and chose not to select one in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now it seems that they will enter training camp with Jaylon Carlies as the favorite for the job, heading into his second NFL season. The only real competition for him will be Segun Olubi, unless the team elects to try and convert their 2025 seventh round pick, Hunter Wohler, from safety to LB. Carlies turned some heads with his play throughout his rookie season, but sadly, injuries prevented him from having a full year under his belt. And now they are banking on him taking another step forward, because if he doesn't, LB could ruin what they believe can be a top 10 defense in the league.
Way too early battle winner prediction: Jaylon Carlies
Starting second outside WR
Battle: Alec Pierce vs. Adonai Mitchell
Just like last training camp, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell are going to compete to be the team's second starting outside WR. Both will see significant snaps, and ultimately, I think it will depend on the role the team needs on any given play. Pierce led the team in receiving last season, thanks to his ability to finally showcase his deep threat skills. He's being called a one-trick pony because of his struggles to make an impact elsewhere on the field, though.
Mitchell struggled mightily to complete the catch process as a rookie and was criticized by many for shying away from contact. However, he was borderline elite at creating separation, even against some high-profile matchups, such as Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans. Ultimately, I think Pierce, who is entering a contract year, will again have the larger role of the two in 2025. However, if Mitchell can become a stable contributor and take that next step, it could make things more complicated for the Colts when it comes to potentially extending Pierce.
Way too early battle winner prediction: Alec Pierce
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