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The Indianapolis Colts' rookies report to training camp today, July 21st. While first-round pick Tyler Warren will garner a lot of attention, who are three other members of the Colts' 2025 draft class that we should be watching as training camp unfolds?
During OTAs and minicamp, Warren, from the sounds of it, already made a quick impact in the passing game. As ESPN's Stephen Holder wrote at that time, it was "practically impossible to watch an Indianapolis practice and not notice how often Warren touched the football."
However, while Warren will provide the Colts' offense with a much-needed boost in the passing game from the tight end position, his impact goes well beyond that phase of the game. His versatility to line up across the formation and ability as a blocker brings a do-it-all skill set to the offense as well, which can add some unpredictability to this unit.
With the rookies reporting on July 21st, the Colts' veterans will arrive on the 22nd, and the team's first training camp practice will take place on the 23rd.
Along with Warren, here are three other Colts' rookies to keep your eyes on over the next several weeks.
With his play during offseason programs, Walley has already caught the attention of coaches and teammates. Although a big undersized, Walley adds speed to the Colts' cornerback position, is versatile, and had good ball production in college. He's a good fit for Lou Anarumo's more aggressive and disguise-heavy defense that likes to vary coverages. He will be competing with Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and potentially others for playing time opposite of Charvarius Ward.
Giddens, along with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson, will be competing for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor. In his final season at Kansas State, Giddens surpassed 1,300 rushing yards while averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. As the numbers indicate, he was difficult to bring down. Giddens could also provide the Colts with a pass-catching presence out of the backfield, an element that was missing in 2024.
A sixth-round pick by the Colts, Smith's impact often came as a run defender during his time at Alabama. Also of note, he has experience lining up across multiple gaps, which is important when it comes to playing along the defensive line in Anarumo's defense. Smith, along with several other players, will be competing for playing time behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart in the defensive tackle rotation.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: Justin Walley, DJ Giddens among rookies to watch
Continue reading...
During OTAs and minicamp, Warren, from the sounds of it, already made a quick impact in the passing game. As ESPN's Stephen Holder wrote at that time, it was "practically impossible to watch an Indianapolis practice and not notice how often Warren touched the football."
However, while Warren will provide the Colts' offense with a much-needed boost in the passing game from the tight end position, his impact goes well beyond that phase of the game. His versatility to line up across the formation and ability as a blocker brings a do-it-all skill set to the offense as well, which can add some unpredictability to this unit.
With the rookies reporting on July 21st, the Colts' veterans will arrive on the 22nd, and the team's first training camp practice will take place on the 23rd.
Along with Warren, here are three other Colts' rookies to keep your eyes on over the next several weeks.
CB Justin Walley
With his play during offseason programs, Walley has already caught the attention of coaches and teammates. Although a big undersized, Walley adds speed to the Colts' cornerback position, is versatile, and had good ball production in college. He's a good fit for Lou Anarumo's more aggressive and disguise-heavy defense that likes to vary coverages. He will be competing with Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and potentially others for playing time opposite of Charvarius Ward.
RB DJ Giddens
Giddens, along with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson, will be competing for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor. In his final season at Kansas State, Giddens surpassed 1,300 rushing yards while averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. As the numbers indicate, he was difficult to bring down. Giddens could also provide the Colts with a pass-catching presence out of the backfield, an element that was missing in 2024.
IDL Tim Smith
A sixth-round pick by the Colts, Smith's impact often came as a run defender during his time at Alabama. Also of note, he has experience lining up across multiple gaps, which is important when it comes to playing along the defensive line in Anarumo's defense. Smith, along with several other players, will be competing for playing time behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart in the defensive tackle rotation.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: Justin Walley, DJ Giddens among rookies to watch
Continue reading...
