FanPost

5 Guys with Something to Prove

Training camp is on the horizon, I thought it would be fun to spotlight five players who need to show they're worth their weight in gold. Roster spots are not guaranteed in the NFL -it's either put on your game face on or get out of here- there's no inbetween. All of the people I selected are on the cusp of possibly making an impact for this team or on their way to the chopping block. Who will make the 53 man roster?

  • 5. Montori Hughes
  • It would appear my insight could be false by putting Hughes on this list when you consider what the Colts gave up to select him in the 2013 Draft - The Colts moved up in a trade (giving our 2014, 4th round pick) to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for their fifth round selection. And, In a press interview coach Pagano said, "Montori Hughes moves like a cat." Unfortunately, last year he looked more like a traffic cone, even so, we should never fully judge a player based off their rookie performance. The Colts defensive line has to step up in a big way this season, they've invested a lot in infusing the line with talent. There are others gunning to have a roll with the team like the recently brought back Brandon McKinney and UDFA Zach Kerr, they won't go down without a fight. Hughes will need to show more than the 4 tackles he gave us last year.
    A signing the Colts made midway through the 2013 season. He showed very little on the offense last year, but has been a relatively good special teams ace during his career. The problem is, we don't know if the Colts will delegate a spot for a return specialist. Rumor out of Colts camp is (2014, 3rd round selection) Donte Moncrief will be in the running to handle kickoffs. On top of this, you must consider how many running backs the team may want to keep. If the Colts decide to keep a 4th running back, are they more incline to go with a traditional style back like Zurlon Tipton or Dan Herron (both of which have some experience as returners)? These are questions the will be answered as the rounds of player cuts take effect. But, remember that the Colts had David Reed curse us with his presence for the start of the 2013 season.
    By far one of my favorite offseason signings. Purifoy has great size (6'1'') and measurables to become a starter in this league. He's unfortunately one of those cases where we're unsure if he has his head on straight. If talent alone guaranteed you a roster spot, then Purifoy would have little to worry about, especially when you take in account Greg Toler's injury history. But, that's not the case, he's needs to keep his social life in check and his skills top level in order to secure a spot. Lately there hasn't been much news about Purifoy, which sometimes is a good thing, let your play speak for yourself. So, whenit's all said and done, it could come down to him and Qua Cox auditioning for the final corner spot on the depth charts.
    It would be nearly impossible for me to talk about talent and off the field concerns without mentioning Da'Rick Rogers. I was pounding the table last year for the Colts to use a draft selection on this kid. In case you were wondering, they did not. But, fortune shined upon us and Rogers was brought into the fold after being cut from the Bill's final roster. At times he looked like he could set the world on fire, other times he looked lost on the field. The timing between Luck and Rogers wasn't there and on occasion Luck would miss judge Rogers' speed. My personal hope is the two of them iron out those details this off-season, because he has the potential to become a future #1 receiver. Now, I don't believe there's a chance Rogers doesn't make this squad. The real question is how far can he go and can he shine with the crowd of talented receivers around him?
    Definitely a fan favorite among the Stampede Blue nation. There's many people here that would like to see "THE Dong-O UNLEASHED!" Is this the year that happens? Well, someone has to step up to the plate while Robert Mathis serves his 4 game suspension. The speculation is that Werner will fill that roll, he was selected for that very reason, right? While I feel Werner will do an outstanding job filling that void, having a massive mountain of a man like Adongo (6'5'', 270lbs) rotate in would be pretty much icing on the cake. He is the type of player who can put a QB's head on a swivel, if he meets his full potential. My prediction is once we see him in action this preseason there will be no way we can cut him, no doubt another team would poach him away from us. The defense could use in influx of key players that other teams would have to focus on, Adongo might just be that guy. Because, I don't know about you, but I have been around long enough that I've grow tired of hearing the words "Soft" and "Colts Defense" in the same sentence. It's time we add a few beast to complete 'The MONSTER'.

Is there anybody you feel like should have been on the list that I left off? If so, I would love to hear your input. Sound off below, I'm sure there's guys I should have mentioned or some more love to give to ones I did.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.