The Indianapolis Colts are still without a starting strong safety as we inch towards the NFL Draft… or are they?
Indy’s starter of the past two seasons, 2022 draftee Nick Cross, just left in free agency to join the Washington Commanders’ defensive backfield. Although his departure was indeed a loss, general manager Chris Ballard and Co. didn’t seem to be pressed to see him go. There wasn’t a bidding war that took place, but rather, Cross left on his own accord.
Cross was a tackling machine for the
Colts, totaling 266 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in his 34 games started across the past two seasons. He also added four interceptions and ten passes broken up despite his shortcomings in coverage. His durability and reliability from the box netted him a modest two-year, $13M deal, which begs the question: Why didn’t the Colts try harder to bring back a proven commodity who was developed in-house?
That’s likely because all signs are pointing toward the torch being passed down to 2025 7th-round draft pick Hunter Wohler.
The 6’2”, 213 lb safety slowly but surely heated up in training camp before his rookie campaign was ultimately ended before it could begin after suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury. Wohler was shaping up to be an impact player from day one, with special teams contributions at the forefront, but also a backup at both safety and linebacker.
He notably intercepted Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson twice in the team’s practice scrimmage in the week leading up to their preseason matchup last year, before leading the Colts with nine tackles (six solo) in his first big of preseason run at the next level. It was evident throughout the summer that Wohler belongs in the NFL, but is he ready to start?
His playstyle and strength as a tackler from box alignment are certainly intriguing as they mimic that of Nick Cross’s. It’s tricky to confidently suggest that a former 7th-round draft selection with zero regular-season experience is going to make a smooth transition as the next in line, but until Wohler is afforded a veteran safety to bridge the gap like Rodney McLeod did for Cross, this new era is nothing more than a waiting game to see if Chris Ballard can outdo his previous trick.
