INDIANAPOLIS – Before Training Camp began over the weekend, I posed 10 questions that needed answers before the start of the regular season.
After three camp practices, are we closer to any of those answers?
1. WillAndrew Luckbe ready for Week One?
-Luck is throwing, sees the 'light at the end of the tunnel' of his right shoulder rehab, but is still on the PUP list. We figured this answer would not receive more clarity until later in August. That's still true. The latest on Luck is here.
2. Who will be the starting safeties?
-Right now, Darius Butler and Matthias Farley continue to work together in the starting lineup. However, Malik Hooker is coming. Hooker has made his NFL debut, but is on a pitch count as he is working with the backups during team drills. The more reps Hooker can get in the coming days/weeks should allow for him to eventually work into the starting lineup, alongside Butler. Second-year safety T.J. Green has seen some first-team reps, too.
3. Is the offensive line truly fixed?-One of the early surprises of camp was a change up front. Jack Mewhort has switched from left guard to right guard, flipping with Joe Haeg. The starting offensive line consists of the same five names, but the Colts have made a change in positions. The look of the new starting group: LT-Anthony Castonzo, LG-Joe Haeg, C-Ryan Kelly, RG-Jack Mewhort, RT-Le'Raven Clark.
4. How will the Colts create a better pass rush?
-This is another question that will have to wait a bit. We need to see more full-padded practices and even some preseason action before offering a more accurate guess to the pass rush in 2017. Early on, OLB-Jabaal Sheard and DL-Johnathan Hankins have been very impressive in one-on-one drills.5. Who will start oppositeVontae Davisat cornerback?
-Through three practices, it's still Rashaan Melvin working with Vontae Davis in the starting lineup. But rookie Quincy Wilson continues to receive rotational reps with the starting lineup. Both Melvin and Wilson have had some nice moments early in camp. Expect this competition to linger into August.6. What will the inside linebacker positions look like in 2017?
-We have seen some separation in the inside linebacker competition. Jon Bostic and Antonio Morrison, two former Florida Gators, have definitely emerged as starters. It appears Edwin Jackson, a guy who should excel in passing situations, is the closest to Bostic and Morrison.7. AreJack DoyleandErik Swoopeready for bigger roles?
-It's been a pretty quiet start to camp for the starting tight ends. That's not a major surprise with the Colts working in backup quarterbacks. This is a question that won't be answered until the season starts.8. Where willJohnathan Hankinsline up with the Colts?
-So far, it looks like defensive tackle for Hankins. In the base defense, the Colts have had Al Woods at nose tackle, Hankins at defensive tackle and Henry Anderson at defensive end. Remember, Kendall Langford (knee) is still on the PUP list.9. How many new starters will be there on defense?
-By my count, six-ish. You have newcomers in NT-Al Woods, DT-Johnathan Hankins, OLB-Jabaal Sheard and OLB-John Simon. I also count Darius Butler, as he transitions to safety. The Colts could still have a new starter at cornerback and safety.10. Will the special teams have a drop off with the departure of Pat McAfee?
-Again, not a whole lot of live punting sessions yet for the Colts. We did see Jeff Locke kick off down at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Locke seemed to have little trouble in pounding balls into the back of the end zone.
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
