Jan 5, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; Ball State Cardinals head coach Pete Lembo talks with defensive end Jonathan Newsome (11) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Arkansas State Red Wolves defeated the Ball State Cardinals 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts took Ball State pass rusher Jonathan Newsome with their fifth round draft pick, and were expecting him to be able to see some time on the field as a rookie if need be. According to reports coming out of training camp, he has been impressing the coaching staff and might be even more important than the team was expected. It would be a very warm welcome after Robert Mathis got suspended for the first four games of the regular season, but he could be a big depth piece to have towards the end of the year as well.

“I think he is ahead of where we thought he would be at this point. He is picking the things up. Like all rookies, he’s making mistakes here and there. Thing about Jon is, once he gets cleared up in his mind, he is not going back and (having) repeat offenses, so to speak. Clean it up, and you can move on. A lot of guys you have to keep going back, but that’s not Jon.” – Chuck Pagano

It certainly sounds good for the rookie, and he might just be playing himself into some playing time. Newsome sounds like he is adjusting to the NFL game and speed quicker than expected, but of course as a rookie he will still make mistakes. The Colts have been very good about working their draft picks along slowly, and allowing them to grow at their own space over the past couple of years.

Newsome may not be the most impressive prospect out there, but he has a great work ethic and motor. He was one of the most underrated pass rushers in college, and was one of the only dominant pieces for Ball State’s defense. There is no doubt that he is going to find a role with the Colts over the next couple of seasons, but he is obviously gunning to get a chance with Mathis out at the beginning of this season.

It will be very interesting to see how Pagano and the Colts use him in his rookie year. He may not end up getting much playing time, and he may never even play meaningful snaps all year. On the other hand, he may very well get an opportunity to show what he has at some point during the season, and he’ll be ready for whatever opportunity he gets. The Colts definitely have a solid NFL talent in Newsome, and the future is very bright for him.