Colts 2023 Rookie Class Impressing Early

A few key Indianapolis Colts rookies are already turning heads in practice.

When the Indianapolis Colts elected to finally step off of the quarterback carousel by drafting Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it was known that this draft class would have a massive impact on the trajectory of the Colts' future.

Richardson has certainly turned heads early. New head coach Shane Steichen shared his early thoughts on his QB following a practice session, saying, "I've been really pleased with where he’s at mentally. He made some big plays today on the football field he made some great throws, great decisions, some really next-level stuff that I’ve seen over the last couple days. I’m really pleased with where he’s at”.

The strong first impressions don't stop with Richardson, though, as Horseshoe Huddle has recently been told that multiple members of the 2023 Colts rookie class are already impressing on and off the field.

I've been told that the #Colts rookie class has impressed many so far through rookie minicamp and OTA's.

Along with 1st Round Pick Anthony Richardson turning heads a couple standouts have been 5th Round Pick CB Darius Rush and UDFA WR/RB Zavier Scott. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/yw7QNowMyU

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) June 12, 2023

Darius Rush

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Colts fifth-round pick Darius Rush has made the most of his limited opportunities so far through rookie minicamp and OTAs. A member of the Colts staff recently spoke about the corner by saying, “Rush was the best player on the field during rookie minicamp. His ball skills are special, and for being someone fairly new to the cornerback position still, his coverage ability is way further along than we imagined.”

Unfortunately, Rush had to miss the end of OTAs due to a minor hamstring issue, but a team source shared they expect Rush to be fully available when the team begins training camp, where he will hope to continue on his strong start with the Colts and possibly grab one of the starting cornerback jobs.

Blake Freeland

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So far, fourth-round pick Blake Freeland has spent most of his time at right tackle. He even has got to play with the starters at times due to Braden Smith missing some time early in OTAs. A source within the team shared their thoughts on Freeland so far by saying, “When he was drafted, starting him at right tackle wasn't something I heard people talk about, but he's been rock solid so far. If he can continue this level of play into training camp, I could see him forcing some tough conversations to be had about moving some people around to get him on the field.”

Only time will tell if Freeland will end up starting early in his career, but he is making a strong enough impression to believe at the very least, Freeland could be the most important reserve lineman for the Colts in 2023.

Zavier Scott

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts have had plenty of success with undrafted free agents in their history. They’ve even had recent players such as JoJo Domann, Deon Jackson, and Rodrigo Blankenship make the roster as rookies. HH has been told that, so far, Scott has been the UDFA that has impressed the most.

He is a versatile player who has spent time with the running backs and wide receivers in practice so far with the Colts. A team source shared about Scott, “He’s always listening so intensely, you can see how much he wants this opportunity. He doesn't ask any questions when he's told to do something, he just does it. He’s shown talent as both a wide receiver and running back, but I think his best chance at making the roster is at running back. He’s able to display his full skill set at that position, and his ability and willingness on special teams is going to have him in discussion for a roster spot, mark my words.”

Scott will enter training camp hoping to be the next Colts UDFA to make the opening-day roster.

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