Chester Rogers

Along with sharing punt/kick return duties, Parris Campbell will continue to try to take reps from Chester Rogers. Last season, we saw Rogers frequently catching screens from the slot. You don’t see too many big downfield plays from him. It appears that’s simply not a part of his game. In spite of this, his relentless effort is admirable and invaluable. The undrafted receiver from Grambling State will be entering his 4th training camp after signing his Restricted Free Agent tender. The second round tender extended him through this season carrying a cap hit of over $3M. This is a modest salary that might appear bloated when compared to rookie contract salaries.

One particularly memorable downfield catch came against the Dolphins which kept the Colts in playoff contention. After some handy pocket maneuvering from the QB, Rogers refused to give up on the play coming up with a clutch conversion. In the wake of several new faces in the WR room, Chester Rogers is not going to give up his seat easily. OTA reports say he’s been on fire with the first team offense lead by Brissett. Rogers and Campbell are two players with similar body types. Rogers is 20 lbs. lighter, but just slightly taller than Campbell.

Colts writers will probably include Rogers frequently on lists of expected cuts because of the new talent. Not to mention his drops in the first half of last year greatly damaged the offense’s ability to get going; as drops always do. Rogers will grind like he always has to carve himself out a spot, but the reality of the NFL is consistently “Not For Long.” I’m sadly willing to make the prediction that he’ll be among the final cuts this fall. The team has three full seasons worth of tape on Rogers. They know exactly where his ceiling is. That might be what determines if he can make this his 4th year with the Indianapolis Colts.

Zach Pascal

Next up is Zach Pascal. This 6’2 219lb. player from Old Dominion grinded his way onto the roster last year. Undrafted in 2017, Pascal carved out a role on special teams showing his ability to field kicks. His limited offensive snaps allowed him a handful of times to prove that he’s capable of being an NFL wide receiver. You could definitely see the results of his progress through the season. One constant for him has been improvement. He has consistently improved in all areas including offensive production since he began at ODU. One of my favorite Pascal plays with his improved route running on display late in the year. Here’s Peyton Manning in a short YouTube clip breaking down the play against Houston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNnWdxBBvQ.

Take Peyton’s word for it, Pascal ran a phenomenal route with excellent salesmanship and a strong finish to the pylon. It allowed Andrew Luck to help burn Shareece Wright a different way from this time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5STc2_bM7k. Pascal was an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (EFRA) which made it easy to bring him back and compete for a spot. Unfortunately, many of his drops last year happened at inopportune times. It was the same story for Rogers early in the season as some of the drops led to interceptions. I believe a more reliable set of hands would’ve helped overcome those deficits. Truthfully, it could have made a big difference in helping win games during a 1-5 start.

Mostly all the games during that slow stretch were extremely close (Bengals, Eagles, and Texans stick out). Each one had maybe only one or two plays separating victory. Although that’s typical for NFL competition, too many crucial plays got left on the field due to inadequate receiver play. It’s a team game from all positions, but deficiencies can be highlighted in crunch time.

An example of a drop turning disastrous happened in the Colts only primetime matchup. Week 5 against the Patriots was probably the least close game of the first five. I say ‘least close’ specifically because Luck tried to keep them in matchup. Ultimately mistake after mistake killed any positives the offense tried to put together. A bad drop by Pascal ended the Colts hopes of pulling within one score at the Razor. See 9:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAbYY3iguis.

Another premature end to a drive that hands the ball right back to the wrong #12. Costly turnovers and drops were abundant in this game with the whole cast dropping passes against the ‘Evil Empire’. In early October, we thought this just was a losing young team trying to figure itself out. Now the expectations are higher and they need to be able to knock off this team specifically. Turnovers do that and although Luck is plenty guilty of turning the ball over, he’s earned the trust of coaches to push the limits. Again, it wasn’t just Pascal that had plenty of drops. He also showed some of the greatest improvements so it’ll be interesting to see where he’s at.

Good teams avoid having breakdowns in the fundamental areas of football; like catching it. Another example of those drops came in the infamous Week 4 home game vs. the Texans. Luck was a juggernaut that day. Having already thrown for well over 400 yards, he was moving the ball effortlessly down the field again. Then Marcus Johnson drops a clean 3rd down pass that was unfathomably deflating. A touchdown would have ended the division game in their first drive. Instead, the drop meant settling for a field goal. We all remember what ensued next. On their second OT drive, Luck threw a fourth down pass that landed at Chester Rogers’ feet. I was more distraught from the missed opportunities than I was about the audacity of Reich’s risky 4th down decision.

You certainly can’t blame all of the early losses on the receivers because its a team game. But drops in situations like that become the difference between winning and losing. Despite less down the stretch, Pascal must show drastic improvement to erase some of last year’s early mistakes. Otherwise, I don’t believe he’ll be on the final roster. I love him as a football player and it would be one of the tougher cuts to make. The team might just be better for it in the long run. On the bright side for him, he’ll have every chance to put those plays behind him in camp and preseason. Plus with Deon Cain presumably beginning on the PUP list, it opens up an extra spot starting out.

Reece Fountain

The high chance of Deon Cain beginning on PUP (physically unable to perform) opens a spot up early on. This includes any young player looking to rise up. Fellow draft classmate Daurice ‘Reece’ Fountain would probably consider himself one of those players. Based on name recognition, most fans wouldn’t guess that Fountain was actually selected before Cain in the 2018 NFL draft. Chris Ballard used a fifth-round pick on the receiver from the University Northern Iowa presenting a developmental prospect. The prototypical size of 6’1 210 lbs. apparently qualified him to be worth developing via the draft for the Colts’ personnel department.

Even though 2017 4^th round pick Zach Banner was also cut the same year he was drafted, I was still surprised that Fountain didn’t make the 53-man roster. Cutting draft picks the same year they’re drafted is a result of not scouting/drafting well. No such accusations are being made here, but when you are one the guys picked in the league’s annual draft, you should make the team. There are always undrafted grinders like Pascal and Rogers who refuse to come off the field looking to claim roster spots. That seems to be the case last year as Reece was among the final cuts. Luckily, he slipped through waivers (meaning all 31 other teams had a chance to claim him) and the Colts were able to sign him to the practice squad.

Fountain spent a majority of the regular season on the scout team/practice squad. That was until finally getting promoted to the active roster in December due to an injury to Dontrelle Inman. He failed to log any catches as the Colts surged into the playoffs. Late in the January playoff loss to the Chiefs, Fountain entered the lineup when the offense was in the red-zone. The Colts were seemingly out of reach, but nonetheless a pass bounced off Fountain’s hands before he could walk in the end zone. Believe it or not, that garbage-time TD drop may have gone a long way to salvaging a lost rookie season.

It seems Fountain realizes it’s “put up or shut up” time if he wants to be a part of this team. Head Coach Frank Reich has praised his improved route running abilities while also mentioning his contested catches in traffic. Other reports this June have mentioned a noticeable increase in his lower-body mass. These are good signs towards him making a big second-year jump. As camp battles progress, coaches will determine whether he’s made enough of a leap to earn a roster spot. Doing so simultaneously takes a spot from another ready player which makes it such a tough call. As of now, I like Fountain’s chances of making this team. Not only because of his draft investment (and certainly not because of his game tape which is non-existent), but his explosive potential and size brought to the group. Pascal vs. Fountain will be an intense battle to watch, and I’m looking forward to seeing who comes out on top.

At this point, I’ve made room on the depth chart for Hilton, Funchess and Cain (with Cain presumably starting on the PUP list).

Parris Campbell

The Colts most luxurious addition to the WR room is a 21 year old from Akron, Ohio. Parris Campbell is the last WR who’s a lock to make the final roster. The last of the Colts’ three 2019 2nd round picks is a major factor in making this the most interesting position battle. Campbell had the fastest 40 time in Lucas Oil for all the draft’s pass catchers attending the combine. 4.33 second-speed provides the potential to open untapped parts of the Colt’s offense.

Urban Meyer lined him up primarily in the slot at Ohio State. His skills and athletic ability were commonly used for jet sweeps & tosses. These worked especially well against zone college defenses. Still, decent film exists showing him lining up outside and making contested catches. It’s only some tape and not a lot of tape, but this also points to the blue-chip athlete quickly finding a role in the offense. Adjusting to the games highest level holds the same challenge for every rookie. Its executing hard work daily to help string traits together that creates a productive receiver year in and year out. The high draft capital used creates higher expectations. With that comes an increased hope from the personnel department that he can quickly prove his tape is legit. Legitimate as in more than just a product of Big Ten defenses facing a talented Buckeyes team.

Apparently wearing out the jugs machine paid off for Campbell because his hands improved considerably his final year of school. A well-rounded personality accurately reflects his desire to show he’s a balanced receiver. Standing at 6’0 205lbs, I think he has the skillset of a more talented Stefon Diggs. Many analysts have compared him to the explosive Percy Harvin who was also an exciting player. If Harvin’s the ceiling for him, adding Hilton creates matchup nightmares that will let one of the two get open downfield. End result: big plays.

Campbell is sharing punt/kick return duties with Chester Rogers so far. It’ll be interesting to see if they try him out at spot in game action as the Colts similarly tried with Philip Dorsett. Regardless of his special teams input, Campbell is a lock to make the roster and may be the missing ingredient to bring this offense to another level. He played a role known to old school coaches like Rick Venturi as a “joker.” It’s a hybridization term used to describe a multipurpose player that lines up in the slot and H-back positions. Nyheim Hines would be the closest player comparison. Being that he adequately held down that spot, it may allow the Colts to move Campbell around more as a traditional receiver. Either way, it gives the offense more versatile players that have positional flexibility.

-Was passing on Gerald Mccoy’s services the right move?

After processing the free agency tour of Gerald McCoy (6’4 300 lbs.) and his eventual signing with the Panthers, it still doesn’t make sense. The Bucs didn’t want to pay McCoy $13M this season so they released him and signed Ndamukong Suh for $9M without a workout or even a visit. McCoy vowed he wanted to play for a contender: so he settled to play for the 3rd best team in NFC South instead of the 4th best?

At that point, I thought it was clear the deal was larger than everyone was anticipating, but it was a one-year deal for $8M. My question is why the Colts didn’t make more of an aggressive push for a workout/visit. They still have the league’s largest amount of cap space and have a need in three technique department.

Who’s left to play 3 tech or defensive tackle? Chris Ballard has intelligently constructed this defense to add players that have great versatility. Having a versatile defensive line means having players that have a rare skillset. This is the ability to play inside and out (DT and DE). The obvious difficulties with finding players is the lack of talent. For the player you must have the rare combo of speed and power that every scout looks for. These players on the roster have demonstrated that ability:

• Margus Hunt (6’8 298 lbs.)
• Jabaal Sheard (6’3 265 lbs.)
• Tyquan Lewis (6’3 266 lbs.)
• Denico Autry (6’5 270 lbs.)

When viewing the metrics side by side, the disadvantages can appear more clearly. A package of lighter inside tackles leaves more vulnerable against the ‘Big Q’-type nasty guards and centers of the world against the run.

Some play more frequently inside or out, but playing both leave you vulernable in certain situations. Kemoko Turay is an example of a pass rushing specialist who will probably not see action inside due to lack of mass. Just like this example, you need players that are run-specialists. These are players used primarily on early downs (first and second down) and then less frequently on passing downs (typically longer third and fourth downs).

But after trading Hassan Ridgeway to the Eagles and allowing Al Woods to sign with Seattle, it’s left them thin in the girth department. Grover Stewart (6’4 333 lbs.) looks to be the only player that fits that mold having 0 career sacks and 40 career tackles in two seasons. He’s young and inexpensive as a fourth round pick, but the coaches will be relying quite heavily on the Division II product.

The most frustrating part of the Colts failing to pursue McCoy is that he would have brought help against the run AND generate a rare inside pass rush on all three downs. While watching America’s Game: the story of the 2006 Super Bowl Champion Colts, I learned a fact: that regular season defense was the only team in the league that year to allow a 100+ yard rusher in every single game. Yet they still managed to win the Super Bowl. This is obviously not the blueprint for success, but a clear counter to my McCoy argument that it can be done. Oddly enough, the 2018 Colts defense did not allow a single 100 yard rusher the entire season. The excitement continues to build as camp approaches.

Hilton, Funchess, and Cain

Six spots. Sometimes only five. That’s usually the only number of spots available on the depth chart come Week 1 of the 2019 season. The 2019 ‘June’ Colts currently have 13 wide receivers on their roster, but every September brings tough decisions to be made. The inevitable fact that proven players will get cut is a luxury and byproduct of a talented roster. Over the next week, I’ll breakdown each receiver battling for a spot on the team. This is the most interesting position battle to watch in my opinion. This group is deep not only from its proven players, but from the pieces added in free agency and the draft. This offense has ‘Star Wars’ number potential as Jim Irsay says so here they are:

T.Y. Hilton

First and foremost, T.Y. Hilton has firmly established himself as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. He’s proved a lot of doubters wrong including myself, but I wised up in 2015 when I started dating my wife who’s a self-described fan. I also recognized T.Y.’s consistent abilities as a deep-threat option year after year. Despite one of the smaller frames (5’9 180lbs) for a Pro-Bowl receiver, he has shown the ability to carry his teammates perennially.

This should be brief because T.Y has proven himself as the No.1 in multiple different ways since entering the league in 2012. He’s not an all-around unstoppable WR (unless they’re playing Houston), but it’s unfair to expect that when we’ve had receivers like Harrison and Wayne. In more recent memory, battling through injury displayed his toughness as a football player. He’s been vocal to the community, city, and team that he would like to play his entire career here. Now after No. 1’s written in permanent marker, the rest is all pencil.

Devin Funchess

Let’s hope Devin Funchess gels better with Luck initially than he did with his backup. Although it appeared to be a small conflict, one can’t forget players signed in free agency were free agents for a reason. The moment Marlon Mack separated Jacoby Brissett from Funchess, the smallest red flag was raised for the Colts’ personnel department. The one that gave him a $10,000,000 contract (with incentives up to $13M). Funchess expressed on Twitter that he was putting “his all” into the game inferring the argument stemmed from his apparent passion. Let’s hope that passion can be channeled into improving accountability and communication between his signal callers. Nonetheless, there’s strong evidence pointing to him lining up as the No. 2/B receiver for Nick Sirianni & Frank Reich’s offense Day 1.

The former second round pick’s 6’4 225” frame is naturally enough to draw one of the two defense’s best two backs. He undoubtedly looks the part of a tall outside receiver, but hopefully the guy who-hasn’t-had-a-thousand-yard-season can jump-start his own career. Best case scenario: he could connect on a level similar to Eric Ebron did with #12 last season.

Indianapolis is not New York or Los Angeles, but there are highly talented NFL players that want to play with this critically acclaimed “nice-guy nerd.” Saying Andrew Luck is part of the sales pitch to come to Indianapolis would be an understatement so seeing a great line in front of him is a relieving sight. What isn’t a relieving sight? Seeing him miss his third straight year of OTA’s. A nagging calf strain has kept him out of the voluntary Organized Team Activities. Devin Funchess is the latest example of that talent magnet, and I believe he has the talent to connect with Luck on a high-level. Not terrible return for a quarterback that is no longer a top 10 paid QB due to Carson Went’z record breaking $32 million dollars annually. But we’ll save the offensive line and quarterback talk for later because all WR spots (besides the first) are available for the taking. The next player available has the size and ability to fill that role. Albeit unproven, we saw glimpses that his selection in the draft was warranted or even “stolen” some might say.

Deon Cain

Deon Cain was quite secure on the roster in 2018 (and this season) for a player that has yet to see game action and was drafted in the sixth round. The Clemson product was said to have second round talent along with a 6’2 200 frame and a 4.44 40 attached to his name. He seemed to show every bit of that talent in 2018 training camp. He was even mentioned to be the best receiver in camp not named T.Y. Hilton. Someone asked me if he’s a lock to make the team and my answer was yes. Barring injury or any setbacks, he looks to be heavily involved in the future passing game plan.

It seemed like a sure bet that he’d be No. 2 on the depth chart. That was until the first preseason game in Seattle ended his season with an ACL tear. I think Cain will eventually play the role that they envision Funchess playing. With that being said his inevitable start on the PUP list clouds the waters for him on the marker board. ACL’s are usually a calendar year recovery time, but you can’t count Cain out of the WR race this season.

Colts 24/7 — stay tuned for preseason updates and more info

In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins. Ulysses S. Grant