The Colts’ cornerback room is perhaps its deepest unit on the defensive side of the ball.
Indianapolis, IN — The conclusion of Independence Day weekend means that training camps across the NFL are soon to kick off festivities. As in many such cases, the position battles from quarterback to longsnapper will be in abundance leaguewide.
As for the Indianapolis Colts, one of the more intriguing position rooms to watch for during the preseason is the cornerbacks. While presumed CB1, Charvarius Ward, is slotted to lead the pack, the battle for his running mate should be fun.
Third-year CB Jaylon Jones blossomed into a legitimate starter last season, thus is favored to retain the job alongside Ward. However, therein lies a reality where one of the slated backups — JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack III, and Justin Walley — finds a new gear to win the role in question.
Since slot cornerback has the position’s name baked into it, etymologically, one would think these positions are one and the same. Given that modern-day defenses employ a nickel corner in base more than ever before, I would consider it its own position amongst the defensive backfield, one that is a true hybrid between a cornerback and a safety. Regardless of my designation, slot cornerbacks will indeed be considered corners for this exercise.
Projected Starters
Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore II (SLCB), Jaylon Jones
As alluded to, this position room could very well be the Colts’ best in 2025, and that strength in numbers starts at the top with its projected starters. Whether or not you’re a Colts fan reading this, chances are you’re aware of the consistency that Kenny Moore II has provided Indy since he became a starter years ago. Moore II may be on the brink of 30 years old, but his competitiveness, leadership, and durability have served him a winning formula up until this point — there’s no reason to bet against twenty-three now, especially considering how new DC Lou Anarumo will utilize him at the line of scrimmage.
The big-ticket add in free agency is former All-Pro Charvarius Ward. Coming off an understandably down year in San Francisco — a turmoil-filled season that was a byproduct of losing his one-year-old daughter to heart complications — Ward needed a change of scenery and received just that in the form of a midwestern home. An All-Pro in 2023 after hauling in five interceptions and notching a league-high 23 passes defended, Ward is hungrier than ever.
As mentioned, Jaylon Jones is coming off a strong sophomore season where he started all 17 games as the defense’s de facto CB1, racking up 100 tackles, 2 INTs, and 12 passes defended. The starting spot alongside Ward by no means belongs to anyone, but Jones is certainly the frontrunner going into training camp due to his proven floor as a starting cornerback.
Backups/Rotational
JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack III, Justin Walley, Corey Ballentine
This group provides depth that Indy’s cornerback room has desperately sought after in recent years. After throwing dart after dart, it feels as if Ballard and Co. have finally created a cornerback room worth trotting out.
Samuel Womack III’s spot starts and overall play as an early-season waiver claim were all that you could ask for in an otherwise rocky season, especially defensively. He provided a breath of fresh air to last year’s room and looks to solidify himself as the go-to backup behind Jones. Same goes for JuJu Brents, though his road will be one far more traveled. Brents has struggled to stay healthy through two years in the league, but given there’s no gaping hole at starting corner, the pressure to return to form fades a bit. Focusing on being and staying healthy is Brents’ main priority.
Justin Walley and Corey Ballentine present intriguing prospect profiles heading into the season, both of which have them projected as the slot corners under Kenny Moore II. Ballentine was signed with a special teams role in mind, whereas the Colts drafted Walley in the third round (higher than the consensus board had him ranked) due to a similar infatuation this regime had way back when they claimed Kenny Moore II off waivers. Not to suggest that Walley is destined for a career like Moore’s, but clearly the Colts feel strongly about his potential in that regard. It’d be a tough climb for Ballentine to carve himself out a rotational role on the outside, but as of now, Kenny Moore II’s backup in waiting is empty. One of these four will slot in that role, and training camp is when that’s decided.
Fringe Active Roster/Practice Squad
David Long Jr., Alex Johnson, Johnathan Edwards
We will more than likely see the most of this trio during Indy’s three preseason games in August, but there’s no harm in previewing what they’ll bring to the table in training camp.
David Long Jr. is a former third-round pick from 2019 who has struggled to find his footing in the NFL thus far. He has started 12 games and appeared in 79 total since entering the league, totaling 96 tackles, 8 passed defended, and 1 interception.
Alex Johnson (2024) and Johnathan Edwards (2025) are undrafted free agents who are looking to prove themselves. There’s not much more to say about this group other than it consists of three different yet equally hungry individuals. Regardless of their names or pedigrees, these are amongst the most intriguing camp battles year in and year out. It’s near impossible not to root for each of those who fall into this grouping, and that often makes for a great story (i.e., Kenny Moore II).