Daniel Scott Could Be the Next Special Teams Ace for Colts

After a long collegiate career at Cal, Daniel Scott is ready to make an impact for the Indianapolis Colts on defense and special teams.

Andrew Moore | Apr 30, 2023

In this story:

Indianapolis Colts

The reality of the NFL is that not every player will be a superstar.

However, that does not mean that every player is not important. To be a championship team, you must have players willing to play different roles for the good of the team. From the top of the roster to the bottom, all players must do their job.

The Indianapolis Colts have placed a priority on building depth throughout their roster. Part of the evaluation for those depth pieces includes how they can make an impact on special teams. Special teams is very important in Indy, and players who excel in this area will likely earn a roster spot over those who do not.

The Colts added a player in the fifth round of the NFL Draft that could be the next special teams ace for this team. Indy selected safety Daniel Scott with the No.158 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old out of Cal registered 207 tackles, 14 pass deflections, seven interceptions, seven tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in five seasons with the Golden Bears.

“I really didn’t try to put too much expectations on it honestly," Scott admitted Saturday. "Talking with my agent as much as I can, I was just trying to take it day by day, relax, have good times with family and friends. So obviously today, it started a little early at 9 a.m. over here in southern California. It’s just been a blessing. Got some breakfast with family and got to sit around and see where life is taking me.”

While Scott played for five seasons at Cal, he was actually there for six as he redshirted his freshman year. It was not until year four (five overall) that Scott emerged as a starter on defense. Most players would have decided to transfer if they did not get a starting opportunity until their senior season.

But Scott felt like Cal was where he was supposed to be. He continued to work hard and wait for his opportunity, and it eventually paid off.

“I just think we had a good thing going, especially defensively at Cal," Scott explained. "Had some great coaches, defensive backs coaches, defensive coordinator, even the head coach was defensive oriented. It was one of those things where the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I thought we had a good thing rolling there. I also knew the more opportunity I had, the more tape I could show, I would kind of showcase my abilities. So, decided to come back for another fifth and sixth year and I think we made the most of it.”

Scott is a versatile player who proved he can make plays as a deep safety and in the box as a run defender. He even played nickel at times. That versatility and ability to play multiple roles made him a desirable pick for the Colts.

“I think the hallmarks of my game are my versatility, playing both down safety, deep-high safety, playing a little bit of nickel reps," Scott said. "Then, obviously my versatility sometimes on special teams. I think my football IQ and instincts are second to none. So, I value that side of the game. It’s not only just physical stuff but also mental."

Below is an excerpt from the 2023 Indy Draft Guide on Scott's fit with the Colts:

Athleticism is the name of the game for Daniel Scott and is what he relies on most to make plays. While the Colts like athletic playmakers in their secondary, they must have refinement with their game in order to see the field. Scott would have to pave his way on special teams first while becoming a better safety in the process. Scott could find a home in Indy, but there are other safeties with better special teams acumen and a higher ceiling than Scott.

Indeed, Scott will need to pave his way on special teams as he works on his game. While some players may not want to play special teams, Scott recognizes the importance that phase of the game has in determining wins and losses.

“It’s very serious," he remarked. "I definitely think it’s – I mean, it’s a third of the game I think. We definitely valued it at Cal ... I also knew that’s how I got my opportunity at Cal and that’s probably how I’m going to get my opportunity with the Colts. So, just knowing that value and it being of value to the team is important. So, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Scott has a mentality that fans will love. He is a hard-working player that does not care where or how he is used. All Scott cares about is helping his team win and doing whatever he is called to do to get the job done.

Players with the mentality of Scott tend to stick around in the NFL for a long time. They also tend to be the glue guys that help teams win championships. The Colts are hoping for both to become a reality.

More Colts Draft Picks

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewMooreNFL.

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Published Apr 30, 2023

ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is the Senior Analyst for Horseshoe Huddle and an Indianapolis Colts expert. Andrew is also the co-host of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast and the former co-host of A Colts Podcast.