The Indianapolis Colts have a number of rookies who could have a strong impact in Year 1 and another handful who may need some time to develop. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers might fall right in the middle of those two categories.
With a thin cornerback room and some intriguing traits, Rodgers has a chance to make an impact during his rookie campaign. However, the UMass product hasn’t been on the field much for training camp after suffering an injury during the team’s first padded practice session on Aug. 16.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus told reporters on Wednesday that the Colts will have to accelerate the development of Rodgers with the time he has left in training camp.
“Well we’re just going to accelerate that as best we can. When guys come back from injury they’re always on a pitch count so there’s a little crux there in terms of getting him work,” Eberflus said. “We’ve got to get him the mental work because he’s only allowed so many reps on the field as he ramps up his time coming back from injury. So we have to do a good job with walk-thrus (and) in the meetings.”
Fortunately, the Colts aren’t expected to have to rely on Rodgers for a starting role. He’s competing for the backup slot role behind Kenny Moore and with T.J. Carrie. Though Rodgers could make an impact on special teams as a returner.
Eberflus mentioned that a lot of the development can be accelerated by cornerbacks coach Jonathan Gannon, who appears to be receiving a lot of praise this offseason.
“Jonathan Gannon will do a nice job with that. He does a nice job coaching those guys,” Eberflus said. “It’s going to be part walk-thru, part film study and then as he ramps up we’ll get him all the reps he can. But it’s a concern, no question, when guys miss time. It’s always the mental side of it has to be there. The visualization has to be there and they have to catch it up that way.”
Rodgers has intriguing ball skills and speed despite his smaller stature. The Colts may have to rely on him at some point during the season, which means the rookie is going to have to work extremely hard to make up for the missed time during training camp.