Tag: training camp preview

Colts’ 2023 training camp preview: Defensive Line

The strength of the Colts roster can be found across the defensive line.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to return for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield with their first practice being held July 26.

Before then, we’ll be previewing each position, giving our takes on the starters, position battles and projected depth chart entering camp under the new regime.

The defensive line is considered the strongest position group on the roster entering training camp. The starting unit along with the depth at both the defensive tackle and defensive end positions should make Gus Bradley’s unit competitive again in 2023.

You can follow along with our training camp previews as we post the links below:

Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End
Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Cornerback
Safety Special Teams

Here’s our preview of the defensive line entering training camp:

Colts’ 2023 training camp preview: Offensive Line

Can the Colts offensive line bounce back in 2023?

The Indianapolis Colts are set to return for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield with their first practice being held July 26.

Before then, we’ll be previewing each position, giving our takes on the starters, position battles and projected depth chart entering camp under the new regime.

After a disastrous 2022 season, the Colts offensive line is looking for a major bounce-back campaign. Under new head coach Shane Steichen and new offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr., the hope is that the Colts can return their offensive line to producing as a strength rather than a weakness.

You can follow along with our training camp previews as we post the links below:

Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End
Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Cornerback
Safety Special Teams

Here’s our preview of the offensive line entering training camp:

Colts’ 2023 training camp preview: Tight End

There will be plenty of competition in the tight end room at Colts training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to return for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield with their first practice being held July 26.

Before then, we’ll be previewing each position, giving our takes on the starters, position battles and projected depth chart entering camp under the new regime.

There are few positions on the roster that will include more competition than tight end for the Colts. While the order is somewhat clear, the team seemingly has roughly six or seven worthy players vying for a (likely) maximum of four spots.

You can follow along with our training camp previews as we post the links below:

Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End
Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Cornerback
Safety Special Teams

Here’s our preview of the tight end room entering training camp:

Colts’ 2023 training camp preview: Running Backs

Previewing the RB room for the Colts entering training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to return for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield with their first practice being held July 26.

Before then, we’ll be previewing each position, giving our takes on the starters, position battles and projected depth chart entering camp under the new regime.

The running back position will be one to watch during training camp as there will be a battle deeper on the depth chart throughout the month of August.

You can follow along with our training camp previews as we post the links below:

Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End
Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Cornerback
Safety Special Teams

Continuing our training camp previews, it’s time to take a look at the backfield:

Colts’ 2023 training camp preview: Quarterbacks

Kicking off our Colts training camp previews with the QB position.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to return for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield with their first practice being held July 26.

Before then, we’ll be previewing each position, giving our takes on the starters, position battles and projected depth chart entering camp under the new regime.

The quarterback position is the most important for every team. The Colts are no different, especially after using the No. 4 overall pick on the electric, but inexperienced Anthony Richardson.

You can follow along with our training camp previews as we post the links below:

Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End
Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Cornerback
Safety Special Teams

Kicking off our training camp previews will be the quarterback position:

Colts’ training camp previews for each position

All of our training camp previews for each position in one place.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to officially begin training camp Tuesday when the veterans report to the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

As we do our best to get you prepared for the start of training camp, we previewed each position and every player within those positions before things really get rolling.

Here are the training camp previews for every position entering Colts training camp:

Colts’ 2022 training camp preview: Interior offensive line

Previewing the Colts interior offensive line entering training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts are less than two weeks away from the start of training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

With a new quarterback in town for the fifth consecutive season, the offensive line is also expecting to look a bit different than it did in 2021. The core of the group remains intact, but one spot on the interior will have a new starter.

The departure of Mark Glowinski, who signed with the New York Giants, and Chris Reed, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings, left a void at the starting right guard spot this offseason.

Be sure to check out the other position previews ahead of training camp:

Wrapping up the offensive side of the ball, this preview will focus on the guard and center positions:

Colts’ 2022 training camp preview: Offensive Tackle

Taking a look at the OTs entering training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts are less than two weeks away from the start of training camp, which again takes place at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

One of the more intriguing position battles will take place on the offensive line, specifically at left tackle where a veteran and a rookie will battle it out for the starting role on the blindside.

Be sure to check out the other position previews ahead of training camp:

With veterans reporting for training camp on July 26, here’s our preview of the offensive tackle spots:

Better or Worse: Evaluating Chargers defense ahead of training camp

Breaking down the state of the Chargers’ defense heading into training camp.

The Chargers lost a few of their starters from last season, but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2020 regular season to now?

First up was the offense. Now, we shift gears to the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive Line

Offseason moves: Lost Isaac Rochell as an unrestricted free agent to Colts. Signed Christian Covington.

Summary: On paper, the Chargers possess a decent-looking interior, with the starters being Linval Joseph, Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery. Joseph will start at nose tackle after a promising season. Jones has yet to unlock his full potential, but as a defensive end in the new scheme, his traits will do him wonders. Like Jones, Tillery will fit in perfectly, where his skillset profiles better, given his length, strength and power. Behind them, there’s Christian Covington, Cortez Broughton and Breiden Fehoko. Covington has proven himself as a valuable rotational defending who is capable of disrupting the backfield, whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run. Broughton hasn’t done much since entering the league in 2019, but he has some versatility. Fehoko, an undrafted free agent, showed promise at nose tackle in his rookie season in 2020.

Verdict: Same, lacking depth

Edge Defender/Outside Linebacker

Offseason moves: Signed Kyler Fackrell from Giants. Drafted Chris Rumph II (fourth-round). Lost Nick Vigil to Vikings. Melvin Ingram remains unsigned.

Summary: With Ingram no longer taking the spotlight, Uchenna Nwosu enters the season as a starter. Yet to display himself with a full-time role, the anticipation with Nwosu going into the 2021 season is real. Not only has he flashed enough to be an impactful starter but the sky is limit knowing what head coach Brandon Staley was able to produce a career year with Leonard Floyd with the Rams last season. Bosa, one of the team’s best defensive play-makers, will play on the “edge” of the defense, but he will be used inside and outside and will have a variety of responsibilities, with the primary one being to get after the quarterback. When the team deploys situational pass-rushers, Fackrell will be the go-to option. Rumph has plenty of potential but he will need to get stronger and put on more mass.

Verdict: Same

Inside Linebacker

Offseason moves: Drafted Nick Niemann (sixth-round). Lost Denzel Perryman to Panthers.

Summary: The highly anticipated duo of Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill was short-lived after Tranquill suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2020 season. After having nearly a full year to recover, the boys will be back in town. Murray experienced growing pains right off the bat, but he made consistent growth week in and week out, with his best football coming towards the end of the season. He should be in for a strong sophomore season. Having Tranquill’s play-making skills, both against the run and pass, will be very beneficial. Kyzir White has drawn some injury concerns, but he showed major strides last season. Like Tranquill and Murray, White could be due for his best season yet. Los Angeles added Niemann to primarily serve as a special teams ace.

Verdict: Same 

Cornerback

Offseason moves: Signed Ryan Smith. Re-signed Michael Davis and Brandon Facyson. Drafted Asante Samuel Jr. Released Casey Hayward.

Summary: Davis will fill in as one of the starters on the outside. Chris Harris Jr. will mainly man the slot, but he will move outside in base. Like how Staley used Troy Hill with the Rams, Samuel Jr. will be in a similar situation, playing inside and outside. Facyson, who impressed in spring practices, will be fighting for playing time. Smith has experience as a starter, but he was signed to help the special teams department. The team also has Tevaughn Campbell, Donte Vaughn and John Brannon, who will all be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Verdict: Slightly better

Safety

Offseason moves: Drafted Mark Webb. Lost Rayshawn Jenkins to Jaguars.

Summary: The Chargers get the heart and soul of the defense back now that Derwin James is finally healthy after missing the entire 2020 season with an injury. Adderley enters year hopeful of turning things around after two rocky seasons. By utilizing his versatility and allowing him to be more aggressive, where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage, the staff believes they will be able to get the most out of him. Alohi Gilman, a sixth-round pick of last year’s draft, is a candidate to play that ‘Money’ role also known as a sub-package linebacker. Webb, this year’s seventh-round pick, is currently seen as special teams ace. However, his versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run could earn him playing time this season.

Verdict: Slightly better, lacking depth

Better or Worse: Evaluating Chargers offense ahead of training camp

Analyzing the shape of the Chargers on the offensive side of the ball.

The Chargers lost a few of their starters from last season, but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2020 regular season to now?

Let’s break it down by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback

Offseason moves: Signed Chase Daniel as an unrestricted free agent from the Lions. Lost Tyrod Taylor as a UFA from the Texans.

Summary: The Chargers are locked in with their quarterback of the future, Justin Herbert. After losing Taylor to Houston, they brought in Daniel, who’s familiar with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. Daniel isn’t as intriguing as other backups across the league, but he has been considered an ideal veteran mentor for young quarterbacks, which is what he is, a preceptor to Herbert. Easton Stick, meanwhile, has gotten the short end of the stick, as he has limited experience after not having a preseason last year due to COVID-19. Stick will battle it out this year for a spot, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he is on the outside looking in, relegated to practice squad role or being released.

Verdict: Slightly better

Running Back

Offseason moves: Drafted Larry Rountree III (sixth-round). Lost Kalen Ballage as an unrestricted free agent to the Steelers.

Summary: Expected to be a major contributor, Austin Ekeler will remain a do-it-all back in Lombardi’s system. Justin Jackson can be a threat in both the running and passing game, but he’s struggled to stay healthy. Joshua Kelley was a bright spot in training camp last year, but he dealt with fumbles and special teams blunders and simply just couldn’t find his groove during the season. Rountree brings an enticing skillset, projecting as a short-yardage/goal-line specialist and special teamer with upside to grow into a larger role. The battle between Jackson, Kelley and Rountree will be one of the more compelling position battles this summer.

Verdict: Slightly better

Wide Receiver

Offseason moves: Drafted Josh Palmer (third-round). Signed Austin Proehl.

Summary: The Chargers did the right thing by paying Keenan Allen last offseason after proving himself as one the league’s top wideouts yet again. Mike Williams, who is entering the final year of his contract, is expected to take on a big role this season. Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson are both coming off of promising years. Palmer is a nice-sized receiver who comes with a solid game, possessing the hands, body control, and speed. Considering that Lombardi goes through a lot of different personnel packages depending on the defense scheme they’re facing, all three should receive a good portion of playing time. Assuming the team rolls with six wideouts, the final spot is a battle between five players: Joe Reed, K.J. Hill, John Hurst, Jason Moore and Proehl.

Verdict: Slightly better

Tight End

Offseason moves: Signed Jared Cook as an unrestricted free agent from Saints. Lost Hunter Henry as a UFA to the Patriots. Re-signed Stephen Anderson. Drafted Tre’ McKitty (third-round).

Summary: It wasn’t long into the free agency period before Henry was gone, being picked up by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. In correspondence, the Chargers got Cook, who’s another guy familiar with Lombardi’s offense. While he isn’t getting any younger (34), Cook will offer some upside in the passing game and mentorship to the younger players. Another intriguing receiving option is Donald Parham, who should be a mismatch up the seams and in the red zone. In need of an in-line blocker, Los Angeles added McKitty. McKitty’s blocking prowess will get him on the field early on, but he also offers upside as a receiver.

Verdict: Slightly worse

Offensive line

Offseason moves: Signed Corey Linsley from Packers, Matt Feiler from Steelers and Oday Aboushi from Lions. Drafted Rashawn Slater (first-round) and Brenden Jaimes (fifth-round). Lost Dan Feeney to Jets, Sam Tevi to Colts, Cole Toner to Texans.

Summary: The Chargers knew their offensive line ranked near the bottom in both the pass and run-blocking departments and a great amount of their success lies in the hands of Herbert, which is why they made the point to build it from the ground up. Slater was one of the draft’s biggest steals, solidifying Herbert’s blindside protection. Linsley was the most expensive signing, but he was the most vital as he is one of the best centers in the league. They have two new starting guards in Feiler and Aboushi. Bryan Bulaga is back to man the right tackle position. After spending time at tackle in college, Jaimes will likely kick inside, but he has versatility to protect the edges in a pinch.

Verdict: Much better