The Indianapolis Colts are expected to begin training camp on July 28 and if there are no hiccups with the coronavirus, then the competitions for starting roles will quickly be underway.
Training camp battles are always intense and while it includes players from the same team battling for the same goal, several of these players are fighting for their jobs. Even with the depth the Colts have, there are several starting roles up for grabs in all three phases of the game.
Here’s a look at six starting spots up for grabs at Colts training camp:
RB1
Main competitors: Marlon Mack, Jonathan Taylor
This one is a bit of a cop-out because even the player who winds up “losing” this battle will still have a significant role in the offense. Mack is the incumbent starter in the backfield coming off of a 1,091-yard, eight-touchdown season while Taylor is the shiny new draft pick.
Both players are talented enough to be the bellcow in an offense. Mack has proven that over the last two seasons while Taylor is the most productive three-year running back in college football history. The most likely outcome is that they will split time on early downs with Taylor likely seeing slightly more work in the passing game.
Regardless, both players are likely to have a role early on in the backfield. Whoever is proving to be more productive could get the hot hand in the second half of the regular season.
Prediction: Both split time in first half, Taylor takes over as lead back after Week 8.