Stampede Blue
The Colts’ cornerback room is perhaps its deepest unit on the defensive side of the ball.
Indianapolis, IN — The conclusion of Independence Day weekend means that training camps across the NFL are soon to kick off festivities. As in many such cases, the position battles from quarterback to longsnapper will be in abundance leaguewide.
As for the Indianapolis Colts, one of the more intriguing position rooms to watch for during the preseason is the cornerbacks. While presumed CB1, Charvarius Ward, is slotted to lead the pack, the battle for his running mate should be fun.
Third-year CB Jaylon Jones blossomed into a legitimate starter last season, thus is favored to retain the job alongside Ward. However, therein lies a reality where one of the slated backups — JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack III, and Justin Walley — finds a new gear to win the role in question.
Since slot cornerback has the position’s name baked into it, etymologically, one would think these positions are one and the same. Given that modern-day defenses employ a nickel corner in base more than ever before, I would consider it its own position amongst the defensive backfield, one that is a true hybrid between a cornerback and a safety. Regardless of my designation, slot cornerbacks will indeed be considered corners for this exercise.
Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore II (SLCB), Jaylon Jones
As alluded to, this position room could very well be the Colts’ best in 2025, and that strength in numbers starts at the top with its projected starters. Whether or not you’re a Colts fan reading this, chances are you’re aware of the consistency that Kenny Moore II has provided Indy since he became a starter years ago. Moore II may be on the brink of 30 years old, but his competitiveness, leadership, and durability have served him a winning formula up until this point — there’s no reason to bet against twenty-three now, especially considering how new DC Lou Anarumo will utilize him at the line of scrimmage.
The big-ticket add in free agency is former All-Pro Charvarius Ward. Coming off an understandably down year in San Francisco — a turmoil-filled season that was a byproduct of losing his one-year-old daughter to heart complications — Ward needed a change of scenery and received just that in the form of a midwestern home. An All-Pro in 2023 after hauling in five interceptions and notching a league-high 23 passes defended, Ward is hungrier than ever.
As mentioned, Jaylon Jones is coming off a strong sophomore season where he started all 17 games as the defense’s de facto CB1, racking up 100 tackles, 2 INTs, and 12 passes defended. The starting spot alongside Ward by no means belongs to anyone, but Jones is certainly the frontrunner going into training camp due to his proven floor as a starting cornerback.
JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack III, Justin Walley, Corey Ballentine
This group provides depth that Indy’s cornerback room has desperately sought after...
