Colts Merry-Go-Round Defensive Roster Will Remain Below Average

By far, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has the hardest job on the Colts heading into the season. First of all, he’s going to be the DC for a head coach that did not pick him. Second of all, no one has a starting job yet on the defensive roster. Maybe No. 36 overall NFL Draft pick, linebacker Darius Leonard out of South Carolina State has a job. However, reports are showing he is competing for a starting job as a weakside linebacker during training camp.

According to Eberflus, everyone will have to earn their spot on the roster. Jake Arthur of Colts.com reported that Eberflus said that he wants his team to have good instincts. He especially expects his cornerbacks to tackle, and his defensive line to hustle. So he will have his eye on both groups all training camp and season long.

Secondary effected by injuries

Health is a significant concern for the team on both sides of the ball. The injury bug is especially a concern with the Colts’ defensive back core. Rookie Free Safety Malik Hooker tore his ACL in October. Strong Safety Clayton Geathers has a history of significant neck injuries and he had a concussion last year. Both Hooker and Geathers play important roles for the team as members of the secondary. It’s unclear if either of them is back to full health.

Despite being a second-round draft pick in 2017, cornerback Quincy Wilson didn’t play much under Chuck Pagano. According to Indiana Sports Coverage, Ballard is a huge believer in Wilson. Although he only played seven games in his rookie season, Wilson will take over as the team’s number one corner. Ballard’s confidence in Wilson presumably led him to not resigning top corner Rashaan Melvin.

The defensive scheme has switched to a 4-3, which should remind Colts fans of Tony Dungy’s Tampa Cover 2 scheme. Expect more zone coverage that could help defensive backs like Wilson, and expect defensive ends to provide pressure.