The Indianapolis Colts are well into summer break following the conclusion of minicamp last week, but there's still plenty to discuss leading up to training camp.
One of the major storylines we will be keeping an eye on throughout training camp and the preseason is the position battles taking place across the roster.
Some of these battles are taking place for starting roles. Others include a handful of players competing for depth spots and rotational roles on both sides of the ball.
MORE: Ranking the Colts' position groups by strength in 2024
We highlighted the top position battles going into OTAs, and now it's time to update those competitions as best as we can going into training camp.
Colts position battle updates after minicamp
Starting cornerback
Current leader: Jaylon Jones
Entering the offseason, it wasn't clear who would be getting the first crack at the starting cornerback role opposite Julius Brents. Going into training camp, though, there's a clear leader in the competition.
Though it's far from over, the second-year cornerback in Jones has gotten the most reps with the first-team defense. He still has some major competition in Dallis Flowers, who was the starter last year before a torn Achilles ended his season just four games in.
Either way, this should be a fun competition to watch throughout training camp and the preseason, and it will be a vital one in terms of the success of the defense as a whole.
Backup running back
Current leader: Trey Sermon
With Jonathan Taylor fully healthy this offseason, the Colts opted not to add a major veteran presence or a draft pick to the backfield. Instead, they re-signed Sermon to a one-year deal to compete with returning backs Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson.
So far, it's been clear that Sermon is the main backup to Taylor. There's still a chance Hull or Goodson makes a run for the backup spot given their abilities as pass-catchers, but it seems to be Sermon's job to lose after the spring.
Tight end
Current leader: None
Sometimes, there just isn't a clear leader during a position battle. That's the case with the tight ends. According to James Boyd of The Athletic, the Colts rotated several tight ends with the first-team offense, including Jelani Woods, Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson.
Granson will have a role one way or another as the H-back. The main competition to watch will be between Woods, Alie-Cox and Andrew Ogletree considering they are vying for the starting Y role. The upside is with Woods, but it remains to be seen if he's ready to take on a featured role like that.
Free safety
Current leader: Nick Cross
The Colts have a battle of third-year safeties vying for the starting role next to Julian Blackmon. While Cross is seemingly leading the battle thus far after the spring, Rodney Thomas II also has worked in with the first-team defense.
Cross offers the Colts the highest upside considering his elite athleticism, but he's yet to put it all together. He was a strong asset down the stretch of the 2023 season when Thomas was benched, and he seems to have the inside track to the starting role going into training camp.
Alec Pierce vs Adonai Mitchell
Current leader: Alec Pierce
Though Pierce missed the majority of OTAs and minicamp after his foot was stepped on during practice, it's likely the Colts will give him the chance to earn the starting X-receiver role. Mitchell will be right on his heels, though, coming off an impressive showing throughout the entire offseason workout program.
Pierce and Mitchell both profile as deep threats who line up on the line of scrimmage. Pierce is a classic deep threat with impressive build-up speed while Mitchell offers a bit more after the catch and is the better route runner. This will be the biggest competition to watch at training camp.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
