Chuck Pagano confirms that rookie David Parry is the Colts' starting nose tackle

It had become increasingly clear as the preseason went on: rookie defensive lineman David Parry was going to have a significant role in the defense this year.  It started out with him as the backup to Josh Chapman - a role that, while still notable, wasn't anything special.  After an impressive opening game, however, Parry began to push for the starting spot, or at least for the starting rotation.  By the fourth preseason game, Parry was playing early in the game while Chapman was playing late in the game, giving the indication that perhaps the rookie had surpassed Chapman as the starter.  Then most recently, Josh Chapman was released as a part of the final roster cuts, confirming the belief that Parry had passed Chapman on the depth chart.

Today, head coach Chuck Pagano made it official: David Parry is the team's starting nose tackle.  Pagano also noted that recently signed T.Y. McGill will back Parry up.

It is very possible that the Colts could enter the 2015 regular season with two rookies starting along their defensive line, though Pagano didn't make any definitive statements about who will be starting at defensive tackle (the favorite seems to be Henry Anderson, but it's no sure thing).

Parry was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2015 draft out of Stanford, and immediately he brought a familiarity with the system.  The 6-2, 310 pound lineman began his career at Stanford as a walk-on, but by his senior year he played in every game and notched 34 tackles (7.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks, being named an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.

The Colts have a very young and inexperienced defensive line, including at arguably the most important position up front, nose tackle.  When the Colts take the field against the Buffalo Bills in week one, David Parry will be the starter.  It's the right decision by the Colts (he has potential and better to let him play through the struggles at this point), but it's still cause for concern considering the lack of experience all around.  Hopefully, Parry will be up to the task.