The Indianapolis Colts are on the rise in a big way. When you talk Super Bowl contenders, the Colts have to be near the top of the list. The Colts lost in the AFC Divisional round to the Chiefs a year ago but
Position Battles To Watch:
Wide Receiver: Chester Rogers, Parris Campbell, Devin Funchess, Zach Pascal, Deon Cain
TY Hilton is the number one target but that doesn’t mean other guys can’t carve out a role. Chester Rogers and Zach Pascal are the incumbents. Parris Campell was drafted in the 2nd round but doesn’t have a defined route tree yet. Devin Funchess is a jump ball receiver but not much else. Deon Cain is from Clemson so maybe he’s good. Wow, this took a bit of a dark turn and didn’t mean it. Andrew Luck will figure it out.
Strong Safety: Khari Willis, Clayton Geathers
Fun fact: Did you know that Clayton Geathers is the only player on the roster that Ryan Grigson drafted? Geathers has been a fine player but not a superstar by any means. Indy drafted Khari Willis to provide some competition.
Middle Linebacker: Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke
Anthony Walker burst onto the scene with over 100 tackles in 2018. Walker was a 5th round pick in 2017 out of Northwestern who has good speed and range. Now the Colts bring in more depth. Bobby Okereke comes in a similar mold from Stanford. Who wins the job? Both guys probably play with Darius Leonard stopping everything in sight.
Ready To Breakout: Malik Hooker
This is the year that Malik Hooker becomes an elite free safety. I just feel it. Hooker got off to a bit of a slow start because of injuries, something he dealt with a lot in college too. The upside with Hooker is his special ball skills. 5 interceptions in two years is good. I just think there’s a lot more here. Indy plays a lot of zone. If Hooker makes the leap, this defense goes from good to great. He needs to be their Ed Reed. Take the Eddie Jackson leap, Malik!
Rookie To Watch: Rock Ya-Sin
I have to stick up for a wrestler here. Just look at the pipes that Rock has! Indy has really made it a point of emphasis to improve this secondary. Ya-Sin is just the latest example. If Ya-Sin pans out, he joins a group with Pierre Desir, Quincy Wilson, Nate Hairston, and Kenny Moore. A lot of eyes should be on Ya-Sin.
Fantasy Sleeper: Mo Alie-Cox
I’m diving into the deep crumbs at the bottom of the bag with this one. Eric Ebron took the league by storm after reeling in 13 touchdowns in 2018. What if he gets hurt? Mo Alie-Cox could step into that role. Alie-Cox is a former basketball player for VCU (if you can remember) turned tight end. The Colts have taken their time with the former basketball player. Alie-Cox averaged 19 yards per catch and 2 touchdowns in his first year of action. There’s no questioning the explosion. Look for him to get a bigger opportunity regardless. Just don’t forget about him.
