The Indianapolis Colts are betting that a young group of players to compete for the starting outside cornerback spots, and that battle, unfortunately, got thinner due to Isaiah Rodgers Sr. being expected to receive a season-long suspension.
The news was first reported Wednesday by ESPN that Rodgers Sr., along with other NFL players, are expected to receive a suspension due to violations of the league’s gambling policy.
Because of the expected suspension, Kenny Moore II is the only corner on the roster that has played more than 438 defensive snaps.
Gus Bradley is going to need his young group of players to step up and take advantage of the opportunity in front of them.
Here are six players who will be looking to fill Rodgers Sr. void in the defense:
1
CB Kenny Moore II
The Colts needed Kenny Moore II to make more of an impact this season prior to this news, but his presence on the field will have to be felt on and off the field. Moore II has mainly played as a nickel corner in his career but has past experience playing on the boundary so that may have to be something that Gus Bradley can consider in certain packages.
Not only does the team need his play on the field to be at a different level compared to his 2022 season, but they also will be leaning on his voice to help develop the young players in the cornerback room.
2
CB Julius Brents
The competition has yet to be decided on who will be the starting outside cornerbacks but the feeling was that Rodgers Sr. and Julius Brents would likely win the open jobs. Brents spent the spring recovering from wrist surgery but he’s expected to be ready for training camp. With the Rodgers Sr. suspension, Indianapolis is going to need their second-round selection to deliver early in his rookie season.
3
CB Darius Rush
The Colts could potentially end up starting two rookies as their outside cornerbacks to open the season and their fifth-round pick, Darius Rush, is one of them. Rush has the talent to develop into a quality starting corner even if it would be risky starting two rookies on the boundary.
4
CB Dallis Flowers
After making the 53-man roster as a UDFA rookie, Flowers first made his impact as a kick returner until his number was called to play with the starting defense due to injuries at the end of the year. He logged 174 defensive snaps and started in the final game of the 2022 season.
Chris Ballard mentioned Flowers earlier this offseason of their belief in Flowers and that he can take another step. His experience in Bradley’s defensive scheme should help him when the competition heats up in training camp.
5
CB Jaylon Jones
Just last season the Colts got a nice surprise from a seventh-round pick in Rodney Thomas II that ended up being a starter in his rookie season. Could Jaylon Jones be the next one to make it happen? He was the third corner selected behind Brents and Rush but, Jones has an opportunity to impress the coaching staff in training camp.
6
S Nick Cross
Gus Bradley has a history of using three safeties in his defense and as I mentioned earlier, he may want to consider sliding Kenny Moore II outside in certain packages this season. Nick Cross has the versatility of playing both safety spots and played as a nickel during his college career. It is going to be a group effort from the young secondary and the Colts need Cross to take the next step in Year 2.
