5 Indianapolis Colts Who Will Enter Training Camp on Hot Seat
By Kyle Nishida
Jalil Brown, Cornerback
Jalil Brown is entering his fourth season with the Indianapolis Colts. In his previous seasons with the team, he has typically been an emergency cornerback for the Colts. The Colts usually sign him whenever they suffer an injury at cornerback, but then cut him when everyone is healthy.
In 2015, Brown played eight games and actually started in four. He did not perform particularly well in those instances. He only deflected three passes and recorded 22 combined tackles last season. Play like that does not tempt teams to keep players.
Another important fact about Brown is he is now 28 years old. He has probably reached his athletic prime. There is not much more room for him to grow at this point in his career. With that in mind, the Colts could be looking to replace the veteran with one of their younger cornerbacks.
The Colts currently have eight cornerbacks who are 23 years old or younger on their roster, and some of them are probably on the same level than Brown. If that is the case, the Colts will not hesitate to cut Brown in favor of younger player this fall.
The only feasible way Brown can stay with the team is by becoming the fourth cornerback on the depth chart. This role is currently held by D’Joun Smith, a third round pick by the Colts in 2015.
Even though Smith struggled 2015 season, Brown still has a slim chance of surpassing Smith on the depth chart. The Colts are much more lenient on Smith because he is younger and has more potential than Brown. Unless he surpasses Smith, Brown’s time with the team may be over permanently.
The Colts do keep five cornerbacks on their roster at all times. However, Smith will not occupy that fifth spot. The Colts usually give the spot to a young cornerback who impresses them on special teams.
Brown will enter training camp this fall on the hot seat with not much hope of working his way off it.
Next: Center/OG Jonotthan Harrison