Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question at running back
Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question at running back With OTAs nearing for the Indianapolis Colts, let's take a look at one big question facing each position group. Up next are the running backs.
The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed.
So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Up next are the running backs.
Below you can find our previous position previews.
Quarterbacks
Big question at running back: Can Colts get more production from backup RB role?
It was during the NFL combine when GM Chris Ballard said that the Colts need more production from the backup running back role this season. In 2024, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson would carry the ball a combined 88 times and averaged as a duo under 4.0 yards per attempt.
Jonathan Taylor is still, of course, going to handle the lion's share of the carries, but having a productive backup behind him can help lighten what's on Taylor's plate over the course of a long 17 game season.
To hopefully remedy this, the Colts signed Khalil Herbert in free agency and drafted DJ Giddens in the fifth round. A former sixth-round pick in 2021, Herbert has averaged 4.8 yards per rush on 400 carries with nine touchdowns over his career.
Giddens, meanwhile, was a highly productive back at Kansas State, rushing for over 2,500 yards over the last two seasons. He was also very difficult to bring down, ranking sixth among backs in average yards after contact, 20th in missed tackles forced, and 15th in rushes of 10-plus yards.
Bonus question at running back: Can someone emerge as a pass-catching presence?
One other note, when it comes to the running back position, can Herbert or Giddens provide a pass-catching presence out of the backfield? This is an element that was missing in 2024 and would add another dimension to Shane Steichen's offense.
Herbert hasn't been overly active as a receiver, with his 20 receptions in 2023 at 6.7 yards per catch being his most productive season. Giddens, however, could provide more of a boost in that regard.
"He's going to hit his ceiling in the passing game," said Colts' area scout Tyler Hughes via the Indy Star. "He's shown enough on tape, as far as a receiver, where he can make guys miss in the open field and run some routes and catch the ball reliably."
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