INDIANAPOLIS –April on the calendar means work is about to start back up for the Indianapolis Colts.
With the team’s offseason program commencing on April 18, we start our burning question series.
This week, Colts.com will take a look at the "Burning Questions" among the linebackers entering 2016.
Here's a look at the defensive backs questions heading into the offseason program:
- What are the Colts getting in Patrick Robinson?
Finding a cornerback opposite Vontae Davis was an offseason must for the Colts.
After some patience in free agency, the Colts secured their guy---Patrick Robinson.
Chuck Pagano's (former defensive backs coach) closing pitch on Robinson sold the deal on the Colts acquiring the six-year veteran.
What the Colts are getting in Robinson is the coveted trait of versatility.
Last year with the Chargers, Robinson played more than 30 percent of his defensive snaps in the slot and allowed 0.78 yards per snap there (2nd best in the NFL).
Robinson also virtually eliminated the big play for the Chargers, a key for the Colts in 2016.
In the Colts' base defense, the Colts starting cornerbacks will be Davis and Robinson. The addition of Robinson now allows the Colts to get a little more creative with their corners in nickel/dime packages.
STAT TO NOTE: Per Pro Football Focus, Patrick Robinson led all cornerbacks in averaging just 8.9 yards per catch last season.**
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- Is Clayton Geathers ready for a starting role?
For the third straight year, Mike Adams will line up next to a different starting safety.
The Colts hope, and believe, Clayton Geathers will be starting there for quite some time.
Geathers, a fourth-round pick in 2015, started twice for the Colts last year after the team threw him into their dime package just days after being drafted.
The ability to handle such an early rookie role has paved the way for Geathers to start in 2016.
Chuck Pagano loved the impression Geathers had on wins over Atlanta and Tampa Bay last season.
Geathers' plays the safety position with an attacking style and thrives near the line of scrimmage.
While Geathers is certainly part of the future at safety, the Colts are still on the search for who could eventually take over for Adams, who turned 35 last month.
STAT TO NOTE: Mike Adams, the NFL's oldest active safety, has 10 interceptions since 2014 (the third most in the NFL).
- What does the future look like for the Colts at cornerback?
Like pass rusher and running back, you can never have enough cornerbacks.
One of the Colts' objectives this offseason has been to try and get younger on defense.
The steps to doing that can come from guys already on the roster.
Second-year options D'Joun Smith and Tevin Mitchel were 2015 draft picks who saw their first NFL seasons marred by injuries.
Smith, the team's third-round pick, battled knee ailments to play in just four games last year.
Mitchel was a 2015 sixth-round pick by Washington. The Colts claimed Mitchel in August and he went on the team's injured reserve after a shoulder injury he suffered in Training Camp with the Redskins.
Depth at cornerback is a must and the Colts will rely on these two, along with Darius Butler, to help make up that group.
STAT TO NOTE: In the last two seasons, both Mike Adams and Vontae Davis have each been to two Pro Bowls.
