One Colts training camp competition appears all but over

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 8:02 GMT by Colts Wire
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One of the Colts' training camp competitions appears to be all but over with one player having a clear advantage.

One Colts Training Camp Competition to Watch: The Battle for Starting Safety

As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for the upcoming NFL season, training camp is buzzing with anticipation, and one position battle stands out as particularly intriguing: the competition for the starting safety spot opposite Julian Blackmon. This isn't just any roster shuffle; it's a high-stakes showdown that could define the team's defensive identity under head coach Shane Steichen. With a mix of veterans, young talents, and unproven prospects vying for snaps, this battle encapsulates the Colts' broader strategy of blending experience with emerging potential to bolster a secondary that has shown flashes of brilliance but also vulnerabilities in recent years.

At the heart of this competition is Julian Blackmon, the established starter who has solidified his role as a reliable playmaker in the Colts' defense. Blackmon, a former third-round pick out of Utah, has evolved into a versatile safety capable of handling both free and strong safety duties. His 2023 season was a testament to his growth, where he recorded career highs in tackles, interceptions, and pass deflections, proving his value in Gus Bradley's defensive scheme. Blackmon's ability to read plays, deliver hard hits, and cover tight ends makes him a cornerstone. However, the question looming over camp is who will line up beside him to form a dynamic duo that can shut down opposing passing attacks in an AFC South division loaded with talented quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud.

Enter the contenders: a trio of players each bringing unique skills and narratives to the table. Leading the pack is Nick Cross, a third-year safety drafted in the third round from Maryland. Cross has been a tantalizing prospect since his arrival, boasting impressive athleticism with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash time that hints at his elite speed. However, his development has been uneven. In his rookie year, he saw limited action, and last season, inconsistencies in coverage and tackling led to him being benched at times. Coaches have praised his offseason work ethic, noting improvements in film study and technique. If Cross can harness his raw talent and reduce mental errors, he could seize the starting role and provide the Colts with a rangy, ball-hawking presence that complements Blackmon's physicality. Training camp reports indicate Cross has been turning heads with interceptions during team drills, suggesting he's ready to make the leap.

Challenging Cross is Rodney Thomas II, another young safety who has quietly built a case for more playing time. Selected in the seventh round from Yale in 2022, Thomas embodies the underdog story. Despite his Ivy League background, he quickly adapted to the NFL's speed, appearing in all 17 games last season and starting 10. His stats might not jump off the page—modest tackles and a couple of pass breakups—but his football IQ and reliability in zone coverage have earned him trust from the coaching staff. Thomas excels in communication, often directing traffic in the secondary, which is crucial in Bradley's Cover 3-heavy scheme. What sets him apart is his consistency; he's not flashy, but he rarely blows assignments. In camp, Thomas has been focusing on bulking up to handle run support better, addressing a perceived weakness. If he wins the job, the Colts could have a steady, cerebral safety tandem that prioritizes preventing big plays over highlight-reel moments.

Rounding out the competition is Daniel Scott, a fifth-round pick from California in 2023, who unfortunately missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered in OTAs. Scott's return adds an element of uncertainty and excitement. Pre-injury, he was lauded for his instincts and tackling prowess, drawing comparisons to former Colts safeties known for their grit. Now fully cleared, Scott is eager to prove he belongs. Early camp observations show him shaking off rust, with strong performances in one-on-one drills against receivers. However, his lack of game experience means he's playing catch-up, and any lingering effects from the injury could hinder his bid. The coaching staff views him as a dark horse, potentially using him in sub-packages to ease him back, but a standout camp could propel him into the starting conversation.

This safety battle isn't isolated; it ties into the Colts' overall defensive philosophy. Under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the team emphasizes a bend-but-don't-break approach, relying on the secondary to limit explosive plays. Last season, the Colts' pass defense ranked in the middle of the pack, allowing too many yards through the air in crucial games. Improving the safety position is key to elevating that unit, especially with edge rushers like Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo generating pressure up front. The winner of this competition will need to mesh seamlessly with cornerbacks like Kenny Moore II and JuJu Brents, forming a cohesive backfield that can handle the diverse threats in the AFC.

Beyond the on-field implications, this battle reflects the Colts' roster-building strategy under general manager Chris Ballard. Ballard has long favored drafting and developing defensive backs, often finding gems in later rounds. This approach has yielded mixed results—successes like Blackmon contrasted with misses elsewhere—but it underscores a commitment to internal growth rather than splashy free-agent signings. The team did add some veteran depth in the offseason, but the starting job is clearly up for grabs among the young guns, fostering a competitive environment that Steichen believes will push everyone to improve.

As training camp progresses, key factors will determine the outcome. Physicality in padded practices, performance in joint sessions with other teams, and preseason game reps will be telling. Coaches are looking for not just talent, but leadership and adaptability—qualities that could tip the scales in a tight race. Injuries, always a wildcard in camp, could also play a role; the Colts' depth was tested last year, and they're hoping to avoid repeats.

Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on this competition, as it could be the difference between a playoff push and another middling season. The Colts, with quarterback Anthony Richardson returning healthy and a revamped offensive line, have playoff aspirations. A strong secondary, anchored by a reliable safety pair, would go a long way toward realizing those goals. Whichever player emerges victorious, this battle promises to be a highlight of camp, showcasing the grit and determination that define NFL training camps.

In summary, the starting safety competition opposite Julian Blackmon pits Nick Cross's athletic upside against Rodney Thomas II's reliability and Daniel Scott's comeback story. It's a microcosm of the Colts' defensive evolution, with far-reaching implications for the season ahead. As pads clash and drills intensify, the resolution of this battle will shape Indianapolis' fortunes in what promises to be a competitive AFC landscape. (Word count: 928)

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