INDIANAPOLIS – Seated inside the downtown Indianapolis location of Brothers Bar & Grill in late April, Darius Butler was busy signing autographs at the Colts 2017 Draft Party when pick No. 15 flashed up on the screen.
Ohio State safety Malik Hooker.
A month and a half earlier, the Colts had signed Butler to a new contract, and a new position.
Butler would be (and is) making the switch to safety in the 2017 season.
Having been in the league since 2009, Butler understands the workings of professional football and he certainly knew the reasoning for the selection of Hooker, even if it potentially will affect his playing time this fall.
"I've been around a long time, and I know teams are going to make the best pick that's there," Butler says. "And he was obviously, in my opinion, the most talented player on the board, especially defensively. We had issues last year and years previous with turnovers, and that's what he brings to the table.
"But as far as what it does with how I go about my business? It doesn't change it. I still come to work every day with the same attitude and same mindset."
Right now, Butler is working as a starting safety. That's expected to continue through the rest of the offseason program, with Clayton Geathers and Hooker rehabbing injuries.
When the Colts took Hooker in late April, the chatter began quickly of Butler moving back to his nickel corner position.
"I'm a safety until I'm told otherwise," Butler says.
Knowing the switch to safety was coming this year, Butler reached out to former teammate Devin McCourty (Patriots), who also made the move from corner-to-safety.
That was part of Butler's off-season homework.
"Watched guys with similar body types, similar movements and try to learn as much as I can from them," Butler said of moving into the safety position.
"But it was kind of natural. Knowing the nickel position, you have to kind of know where everybody is, so it was kind of an easy transition as far as the mental part of it."
Just how the safety reps shake out this September is something that will not be decided on until well into Training Camp.
The football character and IQ of Butler is one of the highest on the team.
Is it safety or nickel for Butler?
And just how will the secondary play itself out?
"I'm interested to see," Butler says.
"There's some good players. You want to get your best 11 on the field as much as possible. Game plan wise, as far as week in and week out, I'm sure it'll change. It's good to have flexibility. It's good to have depth, so I'm looking forward to it."
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