INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts are down to their final two weeks of offseason workouts. They completed their first of four OTA practices this week on Monday. They’ll wrap things up with their mandatory three-day minicamp next week before breaking until the end of July, when training camp starts.
Where are the Colts right now?
It’s hard to tell, because not all of the pieces of the puzzle are together. But the optimism is definitely at a level it hasn’t been in quite some time, especially on defense.
Here’s a look at some of the areas that have stood out as the Colts wind things down on the field this offseason.
Solid front seven. Arguably the weakest part of the roster last season was the Colts' defensive line and linebacker groups. General manager Chris Ballard must have immediately noticed that, too, because that’s the area he focused on the most.
Highlighted by defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins, the Colts could possibly have five new starters in their front seven, including all four linebackers. Change was needed in that area because that group played a significant role in the Colts finishing 30th in the NFL in total defense last season.
Coach Chuck Pagano recently spoke highly about the defensive line, which could end up with Hankins, Henry Anderson and Kendall Langford as starters.
“If they come back and everybody is healthy, we’re going to probably say goodbye to some guys that’ll end up getting picked up and probably be in a rotation or be starting somewhere,” Pagano said. “I think that’s where we’re at right now. That could happen. We’re going to have to say goodbye to some good players because there are a lot of good players there right now, some guys who have potential and have played good football.”
Injuries. Quarterback Andrew Luck is the headliner for this. His offseason has been spent rehabilitating his surgically repaired right shoulder, in the meeting room and on the sideline serving as an extra set of eyes for his teammates during on-field drills. It’s uncertain at what point in training camp Luck will be cleared to be a full participant.
Luck is not the only Colt expected to have a significant role next season who is currently dealing with injuries.
Safety Clayton Geathers is out after having neck surgery in March. Pagano said several weeks ago that there was no timetable for when Geathers will return. Geathers could be dealing with the most severe injury of the group of players currently out.
Rookie safety Malik Hooker also is not taking part in offseason workouts. The No. 15 pick in the draft is out because of a double sports hernia and hip injury that he suffered while at Ohio State last season. The Colts say Hooker will be ready for training camp.
Langford and left guard Jack Mewhort had their 2016 seasons cut short due to knee injuries. Both players have taken part in the offseason workouts, but the Colts have closely monitored them to avoid overextending them.
Rookies will have a shot. The Colts used six of their eight draft picks on defense. Hooker and cornerback Quincy Wilson, the team’s second-round pick, have a good chance to be Week 1 starters.
Keep an eye on pass rusher Tarell Basham, who was taken in the third round out of Ohio University. The Colts still have concerns when it comes to their pass rush (19th in NFL in sacks last season). The opportunity will be there for Basham to at least get some snaps on passing downs if he competes well in practice and during the preseason.
The Colts' other three defensive players -- defensive lineman Grover Stewart, cornerback Nate Hairston and linebacker Anthony Walker -- were all selected by the fifth round.