4 takeaways from Indianapolis Colts' minicamp practices

With Indianapolis Colts’ minicamp wrapped up, there are a few takeaways from the previous few days of practice.

Now, of course, the caveat is that the pads aren’t on yet, which can make truly evaluating these players more challenging. In addition to that, nothing will be determined based solely on what happens in minicamp.

That said, what does take place is at least noteworthy, and lays the foundation for what’s to come in training camp. So with that in mind, here are four quick takeaways.

Competing for the backup role behind Daniel Jones are Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. With Jones not participating in the 11-on-11 team drills, Richardson and Leonard have been sharing the workload with the starting offense.

As of now, it sounds like it’s too early to know if one quarterback has the edge over the other. As Shane Steichen as said previously, this competition will extend throughout training camp and the preseason.

“Not right now,” Shane Steichen said when asked if there is any separation. “I mean, both those guys are having a good offseason. They’re both doing some really good things, and it’s back and forth right now. And so we’ll see where that goes.”

During Thursday’s final minicamp practice, both Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe attempted a handful of field goals. According to Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable, Spencer Shrader would go just 3-for-5 on his attempts, missing one to the left and another to the right. Blake Grupe, meanwhile, went 5-for-5.

Of course, the caveat here is that this was only one day, and there is a long way to go before a final decision has to be made. But this one day perhaps sheds some light on who may have the early edge.

Competing for those starting snaps at safety next to Cam Bynum will be AJ Haulcy, Johnathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler. While early, it sounds like Haulcy may have the advantage.

“Another possible rookie starter is A.J. Haulcy, a third-round choice who appears to have the inside track at replacing Nick Cross at strong safety,” ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote.

Haulcy’s play has caught the attention of Bynum and others.

Similarly to Haulcy at safety, it sounds like Dulin has been able to stand out at wide receiver, where the WR3 role is up for grabs. During the red zone periods, in particular, is where he’s been able to flash.

Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan wrote that “Dulin just continues to show up.”

Dulin is competing with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Laquon Treadwell, and Deion Burks for the WR3 role. Dulin has primarily been a special teams contributor over his career, but what he has on his side is experience, particularly within Shane Steichen’s offense.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Key observations following Colts’ three minicamp practices