5 Indianapolis Colts Who Will Enter Training Camp on Hot Seat
By Kyle Nishida
Hugh Thornton, Offensive Guard
The Indianapolis Colts selected Hugh Thornton in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In three seasons with the team, he has struggled to lock down a starting spot with the team.
Despite starting 32 of 37 games, Thornton is viewed as the weak link of the Colts’ offensive line every season. The Colts have always tried to find possible replacements for him.
Remember, the Colts started Todd Herremans and Lance Louis at the guard spots over Thornton at the beginning of last season. Thornton eventually replaced Herremans at right guard, but it is still concerning he has not distinguished himself as a true starter.
This season is no different for Thornton. He finds himself in another position battle entering training camp. This year he is battling against three other players for the starting right guard spot.
Denzelle Good, Joe Reitz and Jonotthan Harrison are all listed as possible starters for the Colts at right guard. Fortunately for Thornton, Reitz and Good are also battling for the right tackle position. Thornton’s main competition is most likely Harrison.
To further complicate Thornton’s situation, he might not be guaranteed a roster spot if he does not win the starting job. The Colts drafted Le’Raven Clark, Joe Haeg and Austin Blythe, who are all versatile enough linemen to play guard.
There is no way the Colts can keep every linemen they currently have on the roster. They will have to cut players in the fall, and Thornton could be one of those cuts.
Thornton will be on the hot seat in training camp because this is essentially his final shot at solidifying himself as a starter for the Indianapolis Colts. If he does not earn the starting spot, he becomes much more expendable. They have a lot of rookie linemen anxious to take his roster spot.
Next: CB Jalil Brown