INDIANAPOLIS -- Between them, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have two regular-season starts at cornerback and a pair of interceptions in their four combined NFL campaigns.
Jackson has more starts at safety in a career spent bouncing around the secondary. Hayden, a one-time wide receiver, didn't move to defense until his senior year in college. But when the Colts convened here Friday afternoon for the initial practice of a mandatory weekend minicamp, the somewhat unlikely pair lined up at cornerback with the No. 1 defense.
The Colts opted not to make a big move to acquire a veteran cornerback through free agency or invest a high-round choice on the position in the draft. That's because Indianpolis is confident it has successfully filled twin voids created by the offseason departures of two starters.
And who could blame them?
The Colts did, after all, capture the Super Bowl XLI title with one starting cornerback, Nick Harper, who had signed as an undrafted free agent. The other starter, Jason David, was a fourth-round pick. Jackson and Hayden, on the other hand, were Indianapolis' first- and second-round selections in the 2005 draft. When it comes to replacing critical defensive components, the Colts have a been-there-done-that history filling key spots with younger players.
"The thing about this team is that they bring you here, coach you well and expect that, when it's your time to play, you're going to be ready," said Jackson, who started six games at free safety in 2006 and two at strong safety but none at cornerback until the postseason. "There is always going to be a foundation that they (provide) for you. But they expect you to grow up fast around here ... More than anything, they just kind of believe in you."
full article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/s ... id=2875837
Both of these guys are much better athletes than Harper and David were. I'm confident in both of their abilities as well. They've played well when given the opportunity, and both have the ability to have a lot of success in the Cover 2.
The article also goes on to say that Tim Jennings will be the nickel back in passing situations, and both Hayden and himself will move outside with Marlin playing the slot during those times.
