Camp notes after Day 1

The Colt-o-sphere is alive now that camp has begun. ColtPlay will now share some opinions.  

Jeff Linkenbach has been shifted to guard, and will compete with Joe Reitz for a starting spot. This tells me a couple of things. The first is that the other four-fifths of the O-line are set, and that Grigson favorite Mike McGlynn will start at guard. It also tells me that Ben Ijalana is not in contention for a starting position, which is a bad thing. Either he’s not fully recovered from his injuries, or the new leadership do not think he’s as good as the guys who drafted him did. It also tells me the Colts feel good enough about their depth at tackle (don’t be surprised if former first-rounder George Foster makes a strong play for a roster spot), because they are moving an erstwhile starting tackle inside. And, when it comes to the O-line, that stuff’s all just on paper anyway. If the Colts see Linkenbach as their third-best tackle, he’ll be a backup tackle even if he’s starting at guard. But the most important thing this move indicates is that Linkenbach probably won’t make the team if he doesn’t win a starting spot inside.  

Korey Lindsey had two picks on the first day. I don’t put much stock in statistical anomalies, especially when it comes to almost-accidents like NFL picks (and one of Lindsey’s interceptions was on a tip). Still, it brought him a great deal of attention from the coaches, which is a good thing. After the Colts traded for two corners and picked Lindsey up off waivers, things do not look good for any holdovers except Jerraud Powers. Kevin Thomas is currently running with the first-team, but his injury history and poor play in 2011 could put him in danger. The same goes for second-year man Chris Rucker, although I think they’ll give him every chance to win a spot based on his long-range potential. Lindsey offers little speed, but has some enviable man coverage skills.  

Dwayne Allen outplayed Coby Fleener. I’m not surprised. Fleener may have the speed and the height, but Allen is the more reliable, more polished receiver. And he’s a better pass-blocker too. Look for Allen to start and pile up a ton of receptions, while Fleener plays a lot of snaps all over the field. Think of Allen as a Jason Witten-type, and Fleener as more of a Dustin Keller sort. Though I think Fleener will develop into a better player than Keller in time. You could also look at how the Lions use Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler, as an indication of how Allen and Fleener will coexist, although Fleener will see more playing time than Scheffler does.  

Andrew Luck likes Austin Collie. A lot. Who wouldn’t? If he’s over his concussion problems, Collie is an outstanding receiver, who will draw less coverage than Reggie Wayne.  

Vick Ballard looks good. I’m not surprised at all. All this talk of Delone Carter being the man mystifies me. As a rook, he had a 3.78-yard rushing average, didn’t catch the ball well, didn’t block well, had a fumbling problem and — perhaps most telling — failed to win the short-yardage job despite his size. He should be looking over his shoulder at Ballard, the same kind of back, and one who was more productive in college. Donald Brown will be the top back, Mewelde Moore with probably be the third-down back, so that doesn’t leave a lot more than the power role for anybody else. Ballard could well unseat Carter if he keeps those thighs churning.  

LaVon Brazill looks good. Good, I had heard good things about him.  

Tom Zbikowski is a leader. Again, not surprised. That’s what he was signed for.