The Indianapolis Colts concluded their first week of organized team activities (OTA) and have one more week before mandatory minicamp in June.
Though the practices do not involve live contact or pads, this is the first time the offense and defense are permitted to work against each other.
After going through the biggest takeaways from the first week of OTAs, here are the top standouts for the Colts:
Colts OTAs: Top standouts from Week 1
QB Anthony Richardson
The fact that Richardson is back on the field for the Colts is a great sign. He's a full-go after missing the majority of the season with a shoulder injury, and he's already showing off improvements. Richardson has been without limitations at practice and is already back to commanding the huddle.
Richardson has notably shown developments in key areas. Head coach Shane Steichen noted "accelerated vision" and smooth mechanics are among the things Richardson is putting on the field right now.
“Just accelerated vision stuff. Mechanics are obviously part of it, but I think just accelerated vision, knowing where to go with the football and when to go with the football. Going through your reads, different coverages can dictate where that ball gets thrown. He does a good job with that, knowing where to go with the ball. So keep doing that, and at a high level.”
MORE: 8 Colts who can make first Pro Bowl in 2024
TE Jelani Woods
After missing the entire season due to nagging hamstring injuries, Woods is back and making plays as a receiving option in Steichen's offense. He showed off some of the YAC ability that made him an intriguing rookie in 2022, and Steichen noted the type of impact Woods could have if he stays healthy.
“It’s big. Missing all of last season and coming into OTAs and finally getting to see him. I mean I saw him a little bit in training camp, he got the injury, but to see how long he is and how he can run, vertical threat, different things you can do with him. It’s good to have him back out there.”
Woods will be competing for a significant role in the passing game alongside Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson.
S Daniel Scott
After missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL he suffered in minicamp last year, Scott is making sure to start the offseason workouts on the right foot. The Cal product grabbed an interception against Richardson during the practice open to the media.
"He’s a smart player. I think he’s going to have a hell of a future," said Steichen of Scott. "He’s smart, intelligent. That’s part of it playing in the backend, communication. He made a good play on the ball. Was a heck of a play by him."
The starting safety tandem was Nick Cross and Julian Blackmon as expected, but Scott could certainly work his way into the No. 3 role.
