The Indianapolis Colts drafted three cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. General Manager Chris Ballard made sure to add depth to the position. Indy’s new corners provide athleticism to Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense.
The influx of corners adds competition to Indy’s cornerback room.
Ballard selected Julius Brents, Darius Rush and Jaylon Jones. Indianapolis needed to fill the void left by Brandon Facyson and All-Pro Cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Julius Brents from Kansas State
Brents was selected in the second round of the draft. Brents is a lanky corner and stands at 6’3. Brents can use his height to cover wide receivers in the NFL. Brents recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 10 pass deflections and forced a fumble.
Brents shined at Kansas State and did a fantastic job covering TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnson. Brents was named to the 2022 All-Big 12 First Team. Brents was also on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list.
Darius Rush from South Carolina
Rush was selected in the fifth round of the draft. Rush is listed at 6’2. Like Brents, Rush can use his size to make plays in the NFL. Rush recorded 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
Rush has to work on tracking the ball and being more aggressive. Rush will fit in with Bradley’s defense.
Jaylon Jones from Texas A&M
Jones was selected in the seventh round of the draft. Jones is also listed at 6’2. Jones’ size gives Indy another tall corner to match up with receivers. Jones recorded 98 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Because Jones was picked late he needs to prove he belongs on the Colt’s roster. Jones will have to work a little harder than Indy’s higher selections.
Why was competition needed?
Indianapolis needed to load up and add competition. Kenny Moore enters the season in the final year of his contract. Isaiah Rodgers enters the season on the final year of his rookie contract. Indy doesn’t have other established corners outside of Moore and Rodgers.
Indy needed to add playmakers at the position. Despite a strong 2022 campaign from the defense, Indy struggled to create turnovers. According to Stat Muse, Indianapolis recorded 21 takeaways. Indy’s new corners can assist the defense create more takeaways. Indy’s defensive line will provide pressure and the corners can reap the benefits.