COLTS CB PREVIEW: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr. Make All the Difference

The Indianapolis Colts put a significant emphasis on the cornerback room last offseason and continued addressing it throughout the year.

Injuries decimated the plans for how the secondary, and in turn, the entire defense, was supposed to run. But first, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had to reshape the group to match how he wanted it to look, jettisoning players who had significant roles under the previous coaching staff.

Now that this year's players are healthy again, here's what to expect from the Colts' cornerbacks.

Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Justin Walley

It's incredible to think of what the Colts' corner room is supposed to look like compared to what it was last year, and it's largely the same cast of characters.

Ward was the Colts' prize of free agency last year, and they couldn't quit hyping up third-round pick Walley throughout the offseason. Gardner was one of the most seismic trades the franchise has made when they sent two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets.

Walley was slated to start opposite Ward but then tore his ACL during training camp and missed his rookie year. Ward began struggling with concussions as soon as Week 1, which limited him to seven games and two stints on Injured Reserve. Gardner played two full games with the Colts before a calf injury limited him to just a half-game the rest of the season.

Aside from the health of all three players being restored, the most significant difference this year is the Colts releasing longtime slot corner Kenny Moore II this offseason, which clears a path for Walley to start inside, with Gardner and Ward on the outside.

Johnathan Edwards, Mekhi Blackmon Jr., Cam Taylor-Britt, Jaylon Jones

Nine corners played at least 100 snaps for the Colts' defense last year, and now that the starters are back and healthy, it allows the Colts' best backups to be exactly where they're needed.

Edwards played 313 snaps as an undrafted rookie and had a standout offseason in practice. The Colts traded a sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for Blackmon last summer, and he played a significant role: 11 starts and 784 snaps, to be exact.

Taylor-Britt is getting another opportunity to resurrect his career after inconsistent play, injuries, and legal woes ended his time in Cincinnati. He played three seasons for Colts defensive coordinator with the Bengals.

Jones may also be getting his last shot to stick around in Indy. He was a starter his first two years in the league, but had some trouble with a lingering hamstring injury. When he was healthy, though, the Colts were very selective about when they used him.

Cameron Mitchell, Rob Carter Jr., Jai'Onte' McMillan

Mitchell could compete for a roster spot, as he spent plenty of time with the team last year, playing 225 snaps. However, there are several other notable contenders, so he may have to land on the practice squad first.

Carter and McMillan are both 5'10", so they may be better suited for roles in the slot and on special teams. Carter was a rookie standout in the CFL last year who's credited with making one of the most impressive interceptions in league history. McMillan was a special-teams standout with TCU and Minnesota.