The Colts’ only roster moves at cornerback this offseason came on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, with Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson and Marshall’s Micah Abraham coming to Indianapolis in the fifth and sixth rounds, respectively.
For a team that most outside analysts expected was a lock to spend high-value resources – either cap space or a high draft pick – to add an outside cornerback, it might seem a little surprising the Colts are largely running it back with the group they had last year. Internally, though, there’s no head-scratching about how general manager Chris Ballard has operated this offseason.
“We had the growth (last year) – we got the guys in the room,” veteran Kenny Moore II, who re-signed as a free agent in March, said. “The only thing we lacked last season was being durable, being available. And that hurts the chemistry, that hurts the continuity part about having guys on the field each week. I think once we see certain looks, once we see things repetitively, we all gain a sense of mind. … That’s what you start to gain and that’s what you need in this league as far as knowing what’s coming, knowing how the offense wants to attack you. I completely agree with Chris (Ballard) and his thoughts on the back end.”
The Colts believe the combination of continuity, experience and growth with those young outside corners – JuJu Brents, Dallis Flowers and Jaylon Jones – will contribute to improving a defense that ranked 28th in points allowed (24.4/game) in 2023. Those three players, through OTAs and into training camp, will lead the competition to start Week 1 – with the goal for each to be available and dependable in 2024.
“I think it’s really wide open,” defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. “You have (Dallis Flowers) coming back and JuJu and JJ (Jaylon Jones). We really like that part of it. I think for us it’s the skillset, the length, the speed. Now it’s just the consistency. Who is going to step up and be that guy that…
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