Lots of people are Tweeting and talking about the first day of minicamp, so we at ColtPlay thought we'd boil it all down. Keep in mind that many of the the drills were in shorts and that the coaches have repeatedly said not to read too much into what the depth chart looks like now (although, of course, we will).
Quarterbacks: Everyone is raving about Andrew Luck, but we all knew they would. The players like him because he represents a huge upgrade over last year's passers (and the others currently in camp); and the coaching staff loves him because they have put their money on him as their meal ticket.
In the morning, with the defense at half speed, Luck completed 15 of 16 attempts, throwing mainly to veteran receivers Austin Collie and Reggie Wayne. His only incompletion was a deep throw to rookie tight end Dwayne Allen.
In the afternoon, when things were a bit more real, Luck went 25 of 42 (59.52 percent), with one of his incompletions a spike to stop the clock. He threw no touchdowns or picks, but two of his errant throws were nearly picked off.
When he got a chance, projected No. 2 Drew Stanton did throw for a touchdown, but was also picked off twice. Also intercepted was prospect Trevor Vittatoe.
Halfbacks: Nobody reported much, except that Delone Carter was kept out of the rough stuff while recovering from thumb injury. Donald Brown is that starter, and it was Deji Karim who caught Stanton's touchdown pass.
Receivers: As expected, the starters were Wayne, Donnie Avery and Collie. Luck leaned heavily on Wayne and Collie, while Avery impressed everyone by downing a punt at the one. Looks like he's got his speed back. Could be in for a big year. He played out of the slot frequently. No mention was made of the other receivers. Earlier reports had Jeremy Ross running fourth, but I'd be surprised if that lasts.
Tight ends: Allen is running with the first team, which is no surprise because he`s more polished than Fleener, but Fleener also looked good. UDFA Dominique Jones surprised some by having some first-team reps at H-back, but since he`s the only tight end with pro experience, albeit in lesser leagues, it makes sense.
Offensive line: With Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana still out, the line looked like, from left, Jeff Linkenbach, Seth Olsen, Samson Satele, Mike `Big Greezy`McGlynn and Winston Justice. Castonzo will return to oust Linkenbach, and Ijalana will compete at guard. The real surprise was to see Olsen out there instead of Joe Reitz or someone else. Olsen was atrocious last season.
Defensive line: Drake Nevis and Josh Chapman were out and the line was, from left, Corey Redding, Antonio Johnson and Fili Moala. I`m sure Nevis will bump Moala to the bench, and that other candidates will emerge at nose tackle.
Linebackers: Not much news, except that Pat Angerer got his mitt on a pass, and that Dwight Freeney`s image is being widely used in promotional material. That leads many, including me, to think the rumors of him being traded are just hot air.
Defensive backs: Newly arrived corner Justin King picked off Stanton, as did reserve safety Jermale Hines. Rookie corner Antonio Fenelus intercepted Vittatoe. Starting safety Tom Zbikowski and starting corner Kevin Thomas each got their hands on Luck passes, but did not come down with them. Rookie Buddy Jackson did not participate.
Special teams: Pat McAfee kicked a field goal.
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