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The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason. To pass the time until camp, we're taking a look at every player on the Colts' 90-man roster. Today, we're looking at inside linebacker Junior Sylvestre.
Who is he?
Every year there are undrafted free agents who impress for the Colts (and for every team), and last year one of those players was inside linebacker Junior Sylvestre. He was one of the stars of preseason for the Colts last year and actually led the team in tackles during the preseason, but he suffered an ankle injury and was placed on season-ending injured reserve as final cuts were being made. He stood a good chance of making the 53-man roster, though it was still very much uncertain at the time he was placed on IR. He was very much in the mix at the position and likely could have filled a depth role as a rookie. Now, he's returning from injury and looking to once again compete. He played collegiately at Toledo, where he played in 51 games (starting 30) and recorded 286 tackles, 7.5 sacks, an interception, eight passes defensed, and three forced fumbles.
What is his role?
One of the biggest position battles for the Colts in training camp will be the inside linebacker position, as the spot alongside D'Qwell Jackson is wide open due to Jerrell Freeman's departure. Nate Irving and Sio Moore are the leading candidates for the starting spot, but there are depth positions open as well. In other words, the position is wide open besides Jackson, and if Junior Sylvestre can regain his 2014 training camp form he could stand a good shot at making the team. He was very productive last year in preseason and if he can do that again this year he'd likely be a leading candidate for a depth role.
What are his chances?
With how uncertain the inside linebacker competition is, Junior Sylvestre figures to be very much in the mix if he can impress for the second straight preseason.