Colts rookies will wrap up offseason work with the team this week

After the conclusion of the offseason program, the Indianapolis Colts players headed their separate ways for their summer break until training camp begins on July 29.

But while the Colts concluded team activities a couple of weeks ago, not all of the players are gone quite yet. After the ten-week offseason program, the team’s rookies are permitted to stay around for two additional weeks of work, which will be wrapping up this week.

This is valuable time for the players to be able to work with the coaching staff in learning the system better, trying to get up to speed with the NFL level in general and the Colts’ system in particular. The rookies have been participating in OTAs, mandatory mini-camp, and rookie mini-camp so far this offseason, but especially for those guys making this adjustment more time working with them is invaluable for the coaching staff. A lot of what the Colts are doing with the rookies is also helping them adjust to the NFL, however, and that involves them doing things like etiquette training.

The Colts will likely be counting on rookies a lot in 2017, especially on the defensive side of the football. Malik Hooker, Quincy Wilson, and Tarell Basham should all see significant roles, while Anthony Walker and Grover Stewart could both have a role in the defense as well. There are also rookies who are expected to contribute on offense, with Marlon Mack being perhaps the most notable name. There will be an adjustment period no matter what, but the work the Colts are putting in with these rookies this offseason will hopefully help make that transition as painless as possible.

So while the Colts are done with team activities and while most of the players have already left, by the end of this week all of the players will be on their own until training camp.