Colts 2015 Player Preview: Defensive Lineman Zach Kerr

This year in Indianapolis Colts training camp, there will be a number of undrafted free agents competing for roster spots.  Odds are that at least one of them will make it, as every year and in every camp there are undrafted players who really impress.  This was certainly true of the 2014 Colts, and a few undrafted rookies made the team out of camp.  One of them was defensive lineman Zach Kerr.

Kerr played collegially at Delaware, where he enjoyed significant success along their defensive line.  As a senior in 2013, Kerr recorded 57 tackles (5.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles, while as a junior he racked up 27 tackles (4.5 for loss) and a sack.  As a sophomore, he notched 35 tackles and led the team with three interceptions.  He wasn't drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the Indianapolis Colts quickly signed him as an undrafted free agent.  He spent the offseason working with the team, and then in training camp and preseason he really impressed, earning a spot on the 53-man roster as a depth lineman.  He ended up playing in 12 games last year, recording 16 tackles, three sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble.  He impressed considerably for being an undrafted player, and while he still needs some work, Kerr showed that he can be a valuable piece along the Colts' defensive line in a depth role - a role that he shared with Montori Hughes.

Entering 2015, Kerr seems to have an advantage over some of the other players looking to compete for a roster spot, as he was with the Colts all of last season and did a pretty good job when asked to step in.  But, with that said, a spot on the 53-man roster isn't guaranteed, and Kerr will need to earn it just like he did last year.  Interestingly, he is listed as a nose tackle on the Colts' roster, one of only two players on the team listed at the spot (the other being projected starter Josh Chapman).  Considering the fact that Chapman often rotates with other players, if the Colts are planning on Kerr being second on the depth chart at the position he could see increased playing time.  Most of his time last year was spent at one of the other spots along the line, but he did play some nose tackle as well and brings the versatility to play wherever.  We'll have to keep an eye on him throughout camp and preseason to see how the Colts intend on using him, but it's interesting that they list him as a nose tackle - and, if he impresses there, it is something that could help him see even more playing time.  Regardless of where Kerr is playing next year, however, he should be a good depth player along the defensive line for the Colts.