Colts 2015 Player Preview: Defensive Tackle David Parry

Entering the 2015 NFL Draft, everyone knew that the Indianapolis Colts needed defensive help.  So, of course, they drafted a wide receiver in the first round in Phillip Dorsett.  After that, however, the draft shifted into a heavy defensive focus for the team, and that included two defensive linemen from Stanford in Henry Anderson and David Parry.  Both have a chance to contribute this season, but we'll focus on Parry today.

Parry, a 6-2, 310 pound lineman from Stanford who the Colts drafted in the fifth round, began his career as a walk-on.  He continued to improve as his career went on, and by his senior season he was impressing, as he played in 12 games and recorded 34 tackles (7.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks, earning All-Pac 12 honorable mention honors and being named to the Pac-12 All-Academic team.  Furthermore, he was an honorable mention for the Bulsworth trophy, which is awarded annually to the nation's best player that began his career as a walk-on.

Though he's unlikely to start as a rookie, Parry could contribute in his rookie season for the Colts.  He is a great fit for their system and should give them valuable depth.  He will likely be able to play multiple spots along the defensive line for the Colts, and if he works on his game and impresses it's not a stretch to think he could contribute this year.  Of course, he first needs to make the roster, and while he seems to have a clear advantage, he won't just be automatically handed his spot.  Other players like Henry Anderson, Montori Hughes, Jeris Pendleton, Kelcy Quarles, Zach Kerr, and Earl Okine are all looking to compete for depth spots along the defensive line, with some obviously standing a better chance than others.  But based on what Parry showed in college and the fact that the Colts liked him enough to trade up for him in the fifth round, he should be expected to make the roster, and perhaps his role could continue to become bigger than that if he continues to work.  David Parry, along with fellow Stanford rookie defensive lineman Henry Anderson, is a player to keep an eye on when it comes to the defensive line depth.