Training camp awaits the Indianapolis Colts, and so do many new possibilities. With a revamped coaching staff and several new pieces from the draft and free agency, the Colts are ready to put it together.
Entering new seasons always brings more hope regardless of how a team may have finished the previous season. The Colts are a prime example of this considering their new additions at head coach and quarterback.
Here are five bold predictions entering Colts training camp:
1
Anthony Richardson will end camp as QB1
It’s no secret that all eyes will be on rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. After having an expected up-and-down mini-camp, the team is looking for Richardson to improve. An early training camp preview report indicates that Richardson will split reps with fellow quarterback Gardner Minshew.
While Colts fans may not be surprised that Richardson could close camp as the starter, an outside view of the situation may offer a different opinion on whether he would be able to achieve that goal.
Owner Jim Irsay believes Richardson has to get more reps as QB1 to learn. Head coach Shane Steichen will ultimately have the final say, but bold prediction: Richardson will end camp as QB1. The best teacher is experience and a lot of grace for the rollercoaster ride of a rookie quarterback. Buckle up, Colts fans.
2
The Colts will not sign a veteran cornerback
Much has happened to the team’s secondary this offseason. Stephon Gilmore is now in Dallas, the franchise drafted three rookies, and Isaiah Rodgers is no longer with the team. These changes leave the team dangerously thin in terms of veteran presence. The remaining veteran cornerback market is sparse regarding elite or good talent that won’t break the bank.
Bold prediction: the Colts will press forward with the current players in the secondary. Led by veteran Kenny Moore II and the heavily favored Dallis Flowers, the secondary will be tested. This secondary will also need a lot of grace as it learns and adjusts to its new look.
3
TE Mo Alie-Cox will be traded by the end of training camp
One of the early storylines of camp has been that the Colts’ tight end room is exceptionally crowded. As it stands now, there are seven tight ends: Mo-Alie Cox, Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, Pharoah Brown, and Kaden Smith. As Shane Steichen creates the base framework for the team’s offense, the tight end competition is one to watch.
However, one of these players is likely to have played his last days in a Colts uniform. After being on the trade block earlier this offseason, the bold prediction is that Alie-Cox gets traded to the Panthers to reunite with former head coach Frank Reich. The Colts get value back for Alie-Cox, he gets a fresh start, and the Panthers get a much-needed boost to their tight end room.
4
The Colts compete for a wild-card spot
Entering the season, there isn’t much love for the Colts in terms of playoff contention. Coming off a 4-12-1 season, it’s understandable that they will be overlooked in that regard.
Crazier things have happened, and we’re by no means saying they should be expected to make the playoffs. However, if things go their way, and they get a few lucky bounces throughout the season, the chances of being a .500 team while competing for the final wild-card spot isn’t completely impossible.
5
Kwity Paye hits double digits
Over the course of his first two seasons, Paye has recorded 10.0 sacks. Had he stayed healthy and not been hampered by an ankle sprain he suffered in Week 5, there was a chance he would have hit double-digit sacks during the 2022 season.
Now entering his third season, a crucial one for his career, Paye looks prime to approach that milestone mark for a single season. His athleticism and continued growth as a pass-rusher could push him toward the double-digit sack mark for the first time in his career.
