With the Reese’s Senior Bowl which will take place on February 1st, let’s take a position by position look at who will be participating in the week-long event and who might be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next, we’ll group the cornerbacks and safeties, but if you’ve missed any of our other previews so far, you can find them below:
It was deja vu, as general manager Chris Ballard sat in front of reporters at his end-of-season press conference and once again fielded questions about the play of the Indianapolis secondary.
“We have to improve” Ballard said. on the cornerback and safety positions.
Today, progress has been made in some respects. Nick Cross and Jaylon Jones both moved up in 2024 and the emergence of Samuel Womack – a late addition to the roster – proved valuable.
However, the overall numbers still show a struggling unit. Compared to the rest of the NFL, the Colts pass defense has given up 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 success rate and the 10th-best passer rating.
The addition of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumowhose coaching experience is secondary and whose disguise-heavy scheme has often helped generate positive results for his defensive backs over the years, will need to play a key role in turning this unit around.
But that said, it’s also up to Ballard to add competition to help raise the level of play of the defensive backfield, whether through free agency, the draft or both.
Besides the tight end position, cornerback and safety are generally considered two of the Colts’ biggest positional needs.
Here’s a look at the defensive back prospects you should keep your eye on this week as the Senior Bowl rolls around.
Malachi Moore, Alabama
Nohl Williams, California
B.J. Adams, UCF
Mac McWilliams, UCF
Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Dan Jackson, Georgia
SĂ©bastien 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 Mademoiselle
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, West 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 annually in Mobile, Alabama.
Here, top prospects can showcase their talents throughout the week against top competitors, in drills, on the practice field, and then the week ends with a match between the U.S. 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 have the opportunity to meet with prospects.
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: Colts 2025 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks and safeties at the Senior Bowl
