With the Reese’s Senior Bowl taking place on February 1st, let’s take a position-by-position look at who will be participating in the week-long event and could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next up, we will lump the cornerbacks and safeties together, but if you missed any of our other previews up to this point, you can find them below:
Quarterbacks
Linebackers
Running backs
Tight ends
Wide receivers
It was deja vu, as GM Chris Ballard sat in front of reporters during his season-ending press conference and was again answering questions about the play of the Indianapolis secondary.
“We’ve got to get better,” said Ballard about the cornerback and safety positions.
Now, strides were made in some respects. Both Nick Cross and Jaylon Jones took steps forward in 2024 and the emergence of Samuel Womack–a late addition to the roster–proved to be valuable.
However, the overall numbers still show a unit that struggled. Compared to the rest of the NFL, the Colts’ pass defense surrendered the fifth-most yards per pass attempt–allowing a number of explosive plays throughout the season. They also generated the fourth-fewest pass deflections, gave up the second-highest completion rate, and the 10th best passer rating.
The addition of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, whose coaching background is in the secondary and disguise heavy scheme has often helped generate positive results for his defensive backs over the years, will have to play a key role in turning this unit around.
But with that said, this falls on Ballard as well to add competition to help raise the level of play from the defensive backfield, whether that be through free agency, the draft, or both.
Along with the tight end position, cornerback and safety are generally considered two of the biggest positional needs that the Colts have.
Here is a look at which defensive back prospects you should keep your eyes on this week as the Senior Bowl unfolds.
Malachi Moore, Alabama
Nohl Williams, California
BJ Adams, UCF
Mac McWilliams, UCF
Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Dan Jackson, Georgia
Sebastian Castro, Iowa
Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Quincy Riley, Louisville
Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
Tommi Hill, Nebraska
Lathan Ranson, Ohio State
Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Melvin Smith, Southern Arkansas
Jaylin Smith, USC
Justin Barron, Syracuse
Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Maxen Hook, Toledo
Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Darien Porter, Iowa State
Bilhal Kone, Western Michigan
Rayuan Lane III, Navy
Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
Trey Rucker, Oklahoma State
The Senior Bowl is an invitation only, All-Star college football showcase held each year in Mobile, Alabama.
Here, top prospects are able to display their talents throughout the week against high-level competition, in drills, on the practice field, and then the week concludes with a game between the American and National teams.
The event attracts general managers, coaches, and scouts from across the league, and in addition to the on-field portion of the week, NFL teams also get the opportunity to meet with prospects as well.
