3 Colts Defensive Players Who Have Excelled this Preseason

Through the first two games of the 2023 preseason, the Indianapolis Colts have had some young talent step up and prove that they may be in store for bigger things than expected for the regular season.

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the Indianapolis Colts will be hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles for their final preseason game before regular season action begins on Sept. 10.

Currently sitting at 1-1 on the preseason, the Colts have had veterans, rookies, and newcomers looking to either make the roster or receive more playing time on a team that is new, raw, and ready to fight back after a horrendous 2022 outing.

Like their offensive counterparts, this article will detail three specific players on defense who have made big impacts, consistent plays, and surprising strides toward the possibility of seeing the field more often, giving them more chances to shine in the regular season, where the competition truly heats up.

We’ll start with a linebacker who has seemingly come out of nowhere as an efficient defender.

Grant Stuard – Linebacker

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Stuard was traded to the Colts by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder from Indianapolis. Right away, Stuard was placed in his familiar setting as a special teamer. He would immediately make an impact in that regard for the Colts, tallying 11 tackles in 2022.

However, so far this preseason, Stuard has been playing out of his mind, but on the defense rather than just special teams.

Through both the Buffalo Bills (12) and Chicago Bears (6) games, he’s accumulated 18 total tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. Not to mention, he ranked number one for overall defensive grade against the Bills on the team, per Pro Football Focus, with a blistering 91.3. Even against the Bears, Stuard would finish fourth with 79.5.

While it’s still going to be a stretch that he’ll see ample playing time at linebacker, he’s making as good of a case as anyone on the Colts that he deserves an increased role.

Jaylon Jones – Cornerback

Jaylon Jones was drafted by the Colts out of Texas A&M in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. Before him, cornerbacks JuJu Brents (second round) and Darius Rush (fifth round) were selected. Initially, it was assumed Brents would start, and Rush would compete mightily against Dallis Flowers for the third cornerback spot. While Brents and Rush have had moments where they’ve shined in the preseason, Jones has been the biggest surprise.

Jones would play decent against the Bills, but he would truly show out against the Bears last Saturday.

In that contest, Jones had a pass breakup, 6 total tackles, and a respectable 63.5 coverage grade. He was selected at the end of the draft, which generally means Indy could have seen him as a dart throw that potentially will look great if he pans out.

So far, Jones is making a serious case that he needs to be put into the defensive back rotation. While camp/offseason darling Darrell Baker Jr. could have also made the list, it’s more of a shocker that a seventh-round rookie is showing out as a legitimate cover corner who’s blanketing receivers with solid efficiency and strength at the point of attack.

Nick Cross – Safety

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Last year was the rookie season for former Maryland Terp, Nick Cross. Out of the gate, however, he showed he was steps behind the NFL speed and simply not ready for the limelight that starting on the defense would require. He was also a mere 20 years old when he was selected in the third round.

After sitting (defensively) for the rest of 2022, Cross has come back with a vengeance in both training camp and the preseason.

While Cross would tally up a couple of tackles against the Bills, he would rise in the next meeting against Chicago for a team-leading 8 tackles. He would also lead the team in tackle efficiency grades with an impressive 85.3.

While also showcasing his pursuit skillsets, he would grab a nice 74.2 coverage grade, as well. These numbers all point toward the fact that Cross appears to be headed in the right direction as far as his development.

It will be a fun time to see Cross continue to grow as a safety in Gus Bradley’s defense after a rough rookie showing. If Cross can become what Indianapolis wants and justify them moving up in the 2022 draft to select him, it could be an overlooked talent that may be emerging for the Colts.

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