Indianapolis Colts training camp practice 7 observations: Former second-round pick has the chance to have the largest role of his career
The Indianapolis Colts held a late afternoon training camp practice on Sunday, August 4th, which was the hottest practice of the summer to date. I had the privilege of watching the Colt's boots on the ground at practice, and here are my biggest takeaways from the day. Update on the Colts' CB room The Colts' first-team […]
The Indianapolis Colts held a late afternoon training camp practice on Sunday, August 4th, which was the hottest practice of the summer to date.
I had the privilege of watching the Colt's boots on the ground at practice, and here are my biggest takeaways from the day.
Update on the Colts' CB room
The Colts' first-team defense yet again dominated the first-team offense during 11-on-11 sessions. Starting outside CB Juju Brents had one of his strongest practices as a Colt on Sunday. His man-to-man coverage stood out, along with a crazy athletic play to prevent a touchdown during red zone work. The Colts' second-year CB is beginning to look the part as a starting NFL CB.
On the other hand, the other starting outside CB job didn't have as strong of a day. Fellow second-year CB Jaylon Jones was targeted often, and nearly each time was a completed pass for the Colts offense. Rookie WR Adonai Mitchell has gotten the best of Jones just about every time the two have been lined up against one another. And behind Jones wasn't much better, with Dallas Flowers being called for two pass interferences during the practice and, honestly, should have been called for a third.
Underrated Colts defensive lineman getting work with the starters
Even before losing Samson Ebukam to a torn Achilles, the Colts were going to have to get creative with using the abundance of solid defensive linemen on the roster. During the team's first 11-on-11 period, we saw rookie Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye as the starting edge rushers and DeForest Buckner and Tyquan Lewis as DTs. With Ebukam likely out for the season, I think this is the ideal group for obvious passing-down situations during the season. After a successful season from Lewis last year I think he's earned an increased snap count, and this could be the perfect way to do it.
Rookie Adonai Mitchell is getting more comfortable
While he continues to split starting reps with Alec Pierce, Colts 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell is noticeably improving throughout camp. The rookie WR's route running and his reliable hands shined during Sunday's practice. As mentioned earlier, he had second-year CB Jayon Jones' number throughout the day. And it didn't matter if he was with the first team or the second team he made the most of his opportunities. The most impressive thing to watch with Mitchell is how intentional he is during every break the WR gets. He has been glued to veteran Micahel Pittman Jr.'s hip, and you can often see him picking the brains of both Pittman and WR coach Reggie Wayne. I don't know if it's going to lead to immediate NFL production, but Mitchell's drive to be great is off the charts.
Colts rookie Laiatu Latu is ready to be unleashed
The Indianapolis Colts had their pick of any defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft and chose to use the 15th pick in the first round on UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu. So far, he is certainly living up to that selection, and It seems that with each training camp practice, Latu becomes more dominant. […]
The GOAT showed up to celebrate Dwight Freeney’s induction into the Hall of Fame
Indianapolis Colts legend Dwight Freeney joined the elite ranks of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2024 on Saturday, August 3. Freeney had a star-studded guest list, including the GOAT and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, who showed up to support the man behind the legendary spin move. Freeney […]
