Colts observations: Lots of unanswered questions at LB; rookie WR impressing

Stephen Holder | IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS – T-minus three days and counting.

The Colts’ 2018 offseason is down to its final week after the team on Thursday completed its last day of organized team activities (OTAs). All that remains is next week’s three-day, mandatory minicamp, then it’s off to vacation.

In the meantime, though, the work continues. So, too, does the evaluation. To that end, here’s what we learned during this week’s media access to Colts practice.

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>> Linebacker situation remains fluid

If you asked 10 people to guess at a linebacker depth chart for this team, you’d likely get 10 different combinations. That’s how little certainty there is about the position after the Colts’ recent change in defensive scheme. No one seems to have any sense how the position will look this fall.

And that includes coach Frank Reich and his staff.

“At all positions, but especially at the linebacker position, when you’re in OTAs and you don’t have pads on, and it’s not live, it really is just a rep chart,” Reich said (a rep chart is a guide that divides the number of practice snaps evenly to ensure everyone gets enough work).

“I really think it’ll play itself out once we get the pads on. I think you’ll see the depth chart start to come into focus. We’re just waiting to see who that’s going to be. And usually, on defense, that happens a lot. There’s just some guys who have that instinct.”

You can look at this in one of two ways. You can react with concern because it appears the Colts don’t have obvious frontrunners for their three linebacker positions. Or, as the Colts appear to be doing, you can choose to sit back and watch the competition heat up and hope it forges better performances.

About the only thing clear from watching practice is that the Colts are casting a wide net. That rep chart Reich spoke of seems to be dictating that late-round picks and undrafted rookies like Skai Moore, Matthew Adams and Zaire Franklin get as many reps as 2017 draft pick Anthony Walker and veteran free-agent signing Najee Goode.

There’s just not a lot of separation right now, which — if you adhere to Reich’s way of thinking — is typical for OTAs.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some intriguing players and some notable performances.

While we still haven’t seen second-round pick Darius Leonard, who remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury, Moore has been a bit of a head-turner. The undrafted free agent from South Carolina is spending a lot of time at middle linebacker and continues to show his coverage instincts. That’s a big responsibility of the middle linebacker in the new defensive system the Colts are employing. Moore on Thursday jumped a route and came away with an interception off quarterback Phillip Walker that he returned for a touchdown.

Colts Head Coach Frank Reich on last day of OTA practice Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Frank Reich discusses the last organized team activities practice before camp on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

It’s not clear why Moore went undrafted. He’s got a heck of a resume, making first-team All-Southeastern Conference last season and tying a South Carolina school record with 14 career interceptions. Remember, this guy’s a linebacker. As Reich said, we still need to see him and others with the pads on. It could make everything Moore has shown so far moot. But, for now, he’s a player worth watching.

Others worth mentioning are Tyrell Adams, a three-year veteran picked up this offseason who has been spending significant time at the weak-side and Anthony Walker, who is a contender at middle linebacker. Goode is a wildcard, able to play any spot. He’s bounced around in recent practices.

There aren’t a lot of firm answers at linebacker right now. But here’s what we do know: No position on this roster is more wide open.

>> Deon Cain impressing

Rookie receiver Deon Cain seemingly makes a play every day that opens eyes. He was at it again on Thursday, making a tiptoe touchdown catch in the back of the end zone from quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Cain went airborne to haul in the catch just underneath the goal post, then managed to barely get both feet in bounds as an official standing just feet away signaled for a touchdown.

There’s actually ample competition at receiver, with veterans T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers and Ryan Grant in the fold. So, it’s not as if Cain can walk in and assure himself a place in the rotation — or a roster spot for that matter. But while non-contact OTAs can be overrated for some positions — linemen, for example — you can actually learn quite a bit about receivers this time of year. You can see their route running, evaluate their hands and find out whether they are competitors. Cain is making strides in each of those areas.

“Deon’s explosive,” Reich said. “You saw that on tape. And what I’ve also been impressed with is some consistency. Also football intelligence. So, he’s had a really good start. He’s got a lot to prove yet, but a really good start.”

That’s about the most effusive praise you’ll get from an NFL coach on the subject of a rookie drafted in the sixth round. Coaches bend over backward to keep those guys humble. But the Colts might have to try harder if Cain keeps making plays in training camp and in the preseason.

>> Lots of MIAs

Reich has been evasive on the reasons various players have been sidelined during offseason workouts. But there is no hiding the fact that many key players are out of the lineup right now.

A sampling of injured players who did not practice on Thursday and have missed significant practice time this spring: Leonard, safety Clayton Geathers, cornerback Quincy Wilson, running back Marlon Mack (shoulder) and tight end Erik Swoope. Each of those guys have important roles on this team.

Should you worry? Not yet. But their absences will continue to raise questions — even if Reich chooses not to answer them.

Follow Colts Insider Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.