Indianapolis Colts: 5 Rookies to Watch in Hall of Fame Game
By Kyle Nishida
Outside Linebacker Trevor Bates
The outside linebacker spot has been the most criticized position group for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. The lack of proven depth means a rookie like Trevor Bates could turn some heads in the Colts’ first preseason game.
There is a lot of unknown behind the Colts’ primary outside linebackers Robert Mathis, Trent Cole and Erik Walden. The team is not going to risk playing these guys a lot in the Hall-of-Fame game, which means Bates could get plenty of preseason reps.
The Colts selected Bates in the seventh round of this year’s NFL draft. The Colts see a lot of potential in Bates and believe he can potentially play immediately at outside linebacker.
The rookie from the University of Maine has quietly handled his business with the media, but his teammates are noticing how hard he is working in practice.
Robert Mathis calls Bates one of his “favorite rookies” because he is always asking Mathis for advice. Bates said he is watching Mathis “like a hawk” whether he can.
Whatever Bates has been doing in camp, it is working. Bates has received first-team reps in the Colts’ nickel packages. As a result, it will be interesting to see how he does against the Packers.
One preseason performance will not make-or-break Bates’ tenure with the team. However, a good showing could open up more opportunities for him later in training camp.
Next: OLB Ron Thompson