$5 Position Battles to Watch During Indianapolis Colts\' OTAs$

5 Position Battles to Watch During Indianapolis Colts' OTAs

By Chris Pimentel

5 Position Battles to Watch During Indianapolis Colts' OTAs

Indianapolis Colts OTAs — There are plenty of chances to earn playing time on a team that expects to make a Super Bowl run this year. As OTAs continue around the league, these are the five positions Indianapolis Colts fans should keep an eye on.

5. NT

Indianapolis Colts, Josh Chapman

5. NT

Indianapolis Colts, Josh Chapman — Both Josh Chapman and Montori Hughes are fifth-round picks, and they both have the body type to fit the 3-4 nose tackle position. This is an important battle, because in the 3-4 defense a strong nose tackle is key to stopping the run. The Colts want to improve in that area this year and that starts with the nose tackle position.

4. OG

Indianapolis Colts, Hugh Thornton

4. OG

Indianapolis Colts, Hugh Thornton — Donald Thomas should return to be the starting guard, which leaves Jack Mewhort and Hugh Thornton to fight for the other starting position. Mewhort should be the favorite to win this battle considering the Colts used their first pick in the draft to get him, but Thornton has advantage knowing the playbook and playing experience from last year. This position is key because interior protection was an issue for the Colts last year.

3. Backup ILB

Josh McNary, Indianapolis Colts

3. Backup ILB

Josh McNary, Indianapolis Colts — This competition is more about depth. Teams need depth in the NFL in order to survive, because that’s the only way to deal with injuries. D’Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman are the current starters on the team, but if one of them were to go down it would be ether Josh McNary or Andrew Jackson to replace them. Both have to be ready just in case injury happens to ether of them.

2. RB

Indianapolis Colts, Trent Richardson

2. RB

Indianapolis Colts, Trent Richardson — The Colts strive to be a run first team, and after trading a first-round pick for Trent Richardson he should be in place for the starting role. But the Colts showed last year they would go away from Richardson if he were not productive. This could leave the door open for Ahmad Bradshaw to gain some valuable playing time if Richardson continues to struggle.

1. WR

Indianapolis Colts

1. WR

Indianapolis Colts — This is a battle for playing time. The top end of this position is clogged with talent with Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks. Expect the Colts to use less three wide receiver sets this year and for one of them to be the odd man out. This could be decided early if Wayne struggles to regain his pre-ACL tear form.

Christopher Pimentel is a Indianapolis Colts writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google

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