Over the coming weeks we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens more so on what’s ahead and what’s needed at each position group.
Up next are the cornerbacks, but if you missed any of our other previews, follow the links below.
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle
Defensive end
Linebacker
Cornerback overview
“We’ve got to get better,” said general manager Chris Ballard about the Colts’ secondary as a whole during his end of season press conference.
When it comes to the cornerback position, there was some good. Jaylon Jones did take a step forward in his second NFL season, and the addition of Samuel Womack–who had good ball production during the year–provided some needed stability among the cornerback room.
And, of course, not to be forgotten about is Kenny Moore in the nickel, who had another good season.
However, overall, the Colts’ pass defense still struggled in 2024. As a group, this unit ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in passer rating, yards per pass attempt, pass deflections, and completion rate.
Like Ballard said, they have to get better here, and a factor in accomplishing that is new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his disguise-heavy scheme that has often gotten good production from the secondary. But along with that element, Ballard can’t sit on his hands this offseason either.
Positional need this offseason
It’s extremely high–we all know that.
As we just mentioned, Anarumo can help elevate the play of this unit, but added competition and depth is a must this offseason as well.
While the hope is that JuJu Brents could be apart of that equation when it comes to bolstering the play of this unit, that’s not something Ballard can bank on. In addition to that, Alex Johnson is the only other cornerback currently under contract for the 2025 season along with the players already mentioned.
Depth, improved play, all the above is needed at cornerback for the Colts.
Free agency options
The good news for the Colts is that if Ballard is going to explore free agency, there is a lot of high end talent available at cornerback this offseason.
With help from Over the Cap, here are the top available free agent options at the position this offseason:
Michael Jackson Sr.
Byron Murphy
Brandon Stephens
Jourdan Lewis
Benjamin St-Juste
Noah Igbinoghene
Rasul Douglas
DJ Reed
Donte Jackson
Elijah Molden
Kristian Fulton
Kada Kohou
Charvarius Ward
Dee Alford
Carlton Davis
Jonathan Jones
Eric Stokes
Ahkello Witherspoon
What about the NFL Draft?
The Colts have seven selections in this year’s draft–one in each round. With help from PFF’s big board, here are the top cornerbacks available in the early rounds of this year’s draft:
Will Johnson, Michigan
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Jahdae Barron, Texas
Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Darien Porter, Iowa State
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Mello Dotson, Kansas
Cobee Bryant, Kansas
Nohl Williams, Cal
Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
Zy Alexander, LSU