Colts GM Wants Secondary to Participate in Training Camp

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Indianapolis Colts this offseason has been their secondary. After an injury-riddled and inexperienced 2023 season, there was hope that Indy would explore the market for depth and experience. Instead, Colts GM Chris Ballard has made it clear that he wants his secondary to participate in training camp. There’s still a chance that Ballard opts to sign a veteran cornerback or safety. With his recent comments, however, that hope may be fading.

During his press conference at Colts training camp, Ballard addressed concerns about his secondary and the possibility of signing a veteran off the market. He said, “I’m not saying we’re not going to do anything… we certainly could, but I want to see these young guys go out there and compete.” Ballard has built a reputation for keeping the players he already has on his team and developing them into stars. However, this strategy is sure to leave Indy struggling in the regular season. That said, there are several gems in the Colts’ secondary that could develop into superstars during training camp.

Second line playmakers who can develop into superstars

Kenny Moore II

One of the few experienced defenders the Colts have on their roster is eight-year starter Kenny Moore II. After signing a $30 million contract extension this offseason, Moore is expected to have a big year in 2024. He is also the veteran and most experienced player in the secondary, which will create pressure to have a big year. As such, the Colts will look to Moore to be a leader and producer in this secondary. He will also be looked at to help develop the younger players.

JuJu Brents

One of the Colts cornerbacks entering his second year is Julius (JuJu) Brents. He suffered an ankle injury during OTAs but was cleared for training camp. He will look to bring consistency and production to this Colts secondary. Brents is coming off a promising rookie year and will look to continue his production in year two. If the Colts want to improve from where their secondary was last year, they will need Brents to step up during camp, the preseason, and eventually the regular season.

Dallis flowers

Another young and inexperienced player in the Colts secondary is third-year cornerback Dallis Flowers. With just five starts under his belt, Flowers is hoping for a big year in 2024. He began the 2023 season as a starter, but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4. Little is known about Flowers’ abilities given his inexperience, but he showed a lot of promise in 2023. He’ll look to re-establish himself as a starter in 2024.

Jaylon Jones

The Colts will have another second-year cornerback on their roster, Jaylon Jones. He made 10 starts in 2023 and could be a starter with Dallis Flowers’ season-ending injury. Jones is another young cornerback who showed promise in 2023. He too will look to establish himself as a starter during training camp. His biggest competition will be Flowers, which should make for an interesting battle.

Main image: Grace Smith – USA Today Sports