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Indianapolis Colts: Top 5 Training Camp Position Battles to Watch

By Kyle Nishida

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; aPittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs gainst Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Nate Irving (55)during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Inside Linebacker (Next to D’Qwell Jackson)

The Indianapolis Colts lost starting linebacker Jerrell Freeman in free agency. As a result, the team needs to find another starting inside linebacker to play alongside D’Qwell Jackson.

Two legitimate solutions to this issue were already on the Colts’ roster entering this offseason. Both Nate Irving and Sio Moore joined the team in 2015. However, neither guy really flourished.

Coming into the 2015 offseason, Irving was still recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in 2014. He was not even fit to play until midseason. As a result, he did not get a lot of practice time and appeared somewhat unprepared.

At the same time, Moore struggled to learn the Colts’ defensive playbook quickly because he joined the team during the final week of the 2015 preseason. As a result, he could only play in a limited role.

With both guys healthy and getting a full offseason, both guys are prepared to compete for the vacant starting role. Both guys have starting experience and can replace Freeman in 2016.

Another potential option for the Colts is rookie Antonio Morrison. Morrison is a longshot to be the Colts’ second starting inside linebacker, but he certainly has the talent to play immediately. At the University of Florida, Morrison registered 287 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

The battle for the open starting inside linebacker spot will probably come down to Irving and Moore. They were already battling for the starting role during OTAs, but they will have to make their biggest impressions during the Colts’ training camp.

Next: Fourth WR Spot

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