Colts Relying On Young Talent For Success

The Colts 2014 off-season has been much full of veteran free agent signings. Yes, the Colts did get older this off-season but they’re still leaning heavily on their young talent.

Players such as Jack Mewhort, a second round pick who started for most of the season, and guys like Johnathan Newsome will be leaned on mightily. The Colts will need these young players to step in and contribute immediately to be successful. The Colts have been very good at acquiring talent in the later rounds of the draft in recent years.

For example, the emergence of Johnathan Newsome, whom was a fifth-round pick in 2014. Newsome finished second in all NFL rookies in sacks last season with six and-a-half. The Colts will look for Newsome to team up with veterans like Trent Cole and Robert Mathis to give the Colts a legitimate threat in the pass-rushing game.

If Mathis is unable to go at the start of the season, we can expect to see Newsome’s playing time take a big increase from last season. Newsome’s pass rush ability could be game-changing ,as we saw against Denver in the playoffs last year.

Guys such as Zach Kerr and Montori Huges will be vital at the defensive-tackle position. Kerr, in limited action last season, had three sacks on the year. Having an interior pass-rusher will come in handy against the abundance of pocket passers on the Colt’s schedule next year.

Huges showed flashes last season and I believe he’s on the right track. If the Colts want to stop the run, they’re going to need Josh Chapman to step up his game. Chapman struggled a bit last season, but I think he has the potential to be the run-stuffing nose-tackle the Colts need.

On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Mewhort was awesome. Mewhort pretty much locked up the left guard position for most of the season. Mewhort was solid and has shown that he has a very bright future ahead of him with the team. He will benefit from having a Todd Herremans around to learn from. Joe Reitz, who is a young versatile offensive-lineman, will again be counted on heavily. Reitz has the ability to play all over the line.

With all the injuries in the trenches, having Reitz’s depth at more than one position will be great insurance. Jonothan Harrison and Khaled Holmes hope to battle one another for the starting center position. Holmes is probably the favorite but head coach Chuck Pagano has smartly declined to name Holmes the starter. Harrison, whom is an un-drafted free agent out of the university of Florida played well last year. Harrison seemed to really click with Andrew Luck which could give him the edge for the starting position.

Rookie Donte Moncrief came on a bit late, but he was still able to make an impact. A third round pick, Moncrief has size and speed. Moncrief had a spectacular touchdown reception against Cincinnati in the playoffs, showcasing his potential. It goes without question to say that Moncrief will benefit from having Andre Johnson around.

Two guys with similar builds, Moncrief will get a chance to see how Johnson has sustained his success for a long period of time in the NFL. Moncrief is just one of the talented young receivers the Colts have. T.Y. Hilton is still only 25 years old. Recently signed CFL star Duron Carter will also be in the mix of receivers the Colts will have.

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The Colts will expect the same type of production from this years draft class. This year the Colts have a first round draft pick after not having one last year. All eyes will be on whoever that pick could be. The consensus is that the Colts will go defense with that first pick. After all, Grigson and Pagono have both said that you can’t have enough pass rushers. Thankfully, this years draft is full of pass rushers. Both interior and exterior.

The Colts still need to fill the hole at safety. I expect that they will take a safety at some point in the draft. Look for the Colts’ late-round pick success to continue. The Colts will compliment the young talent with the veteran talent. These are factors as to why Indianapolis should be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Next: Colts' Pagano: Cancer taught me to be thankful for today.