Senior Bowl Journal, Day 1: Indianapolis Colts Should Be Thrilled with Defenders

MOBILE, Ala. — The NFL world has gathered in southern Alabama this week for the newly-named Panini Senior Bowl for a week of evaluating college football's top talent.

Although a serious amount of star power backed out of the event in recent days, Tuesday's first day of practice did not disappoint, as there were standouts and plays being made all over the field.

From an Indianapolis Colts perspective, they need defense, defense, and more defense this offseason, as general manager Chris Ballard committed to getting "younger" and "faster" on that side of the ball.

Tuesday's practice brought plenty of that coveted speed, along with plenty of power and athleticism from the defense, as the National Team took the field first, followed by the American Team.

— The offensive play of the day for the National Team came during 11-on-11s as Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia uncorked a fade about 25 yards down the right sideline, directly into the reach of Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron.

— The passing game is usually shaky on Day 1 of practice each year as quarterbacks and pass-catchers get used to each other, but Pavia looked comfortable and was able to deal strikes throughout the day despite being under consistent duress. He did have a fumbled snap, but it didn't cloud an otherwise solid first day.

— Penn State running back Kaytron Allen had a productive day overall as some run lanes were opened by the blockers up front during 11-on-11s, but Allen also had multiple stout reps in pass protection against running backs during drills.

— Several receivers made some big plays. Notably, Notre Dame's Malachi Fields caught a 35-yard go ball for a touchdown during 1-on-1s. Georgia State's Ted Hurst made an absurd touchdown catch of similar distance while he and the defender dove toward the ground, with Hurst coming down with the ball with one hand. There was no one play that significantly stood out above the rest for Cincinnati's Cyrus Allen, but he moved incredibly well, appearing smooth while still shifty, and displaying sure hands.

— Wide receiver Tyren Montgomery out of John Carroll University may be from a small school, but he made a huge play as he high-pointed a deep pass during 1-on-1s and caught it before hitting the ground while North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon was in coverage. Montgomery now has online scouts scrambling to find JCU film.

— NC State tight end Justin Joly showed off his former receiver background, as he first plucked a screen pass out of the air with one hand, and then later picked up bonus yardage on another screen when the quarterback rolled out to his right on a bootleg.

— Alabama's Joshua Cuevas was another tight end who looked silky smooth and made big catches during his day of practice. Cuevas was able to get separation and make a couple of chunk plays over the middle of the field.

— Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III was a standout throughout the day, getting reps at left tackle and center. While at tackle, he was a staunch blocker and was able to seal off run lanes for the ball carriers.

— Another offensive lineman who took the spotlight was Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge, who was as nasty and powerful as advertised throughout 1-on-1s. If you love throwback linemen, Rutledge is your guy.

— Early in practice, I noticed Colts Director of College Scouting Matt Terpening and Southeast Area Scout Anthony Coughlan keeping an eye on the National Team defensive line group.

— Clemson edge T.J. Parker, Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant, and Texas Tech edge Romello Height really popped during 1-on-1s, showing off a blend of speed, power, and slipperiness. Parker added some flash during team drills as well and reaffirmed his early-pick status.

— One of the most significant defensive standouts of the day was Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter. Whether it was crashing run lanes or busting through the line for interior pass rush, Hunter was a menace for the National offensive line to deal with, including on a would-be sack versus Pavia as the offense was backed up in their own territory. He had a slip-up or two during 1-on-1s when he failed to get leverage, but he showed out during team drills.

— Iowa defensive end Max Llewellyn was quite successful all day, whether it was 1-on-1s or 11-on-11s, posting two would-be sacks against Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertonson during live team drills. Michigan edge Derrick Moore was just as impactful, showing ferocity throughout the day.

— Utah defensive end Logan Fano made a couple of big plays in succession, notching a tackle for loss on a run play before having another that would've resulted in a minimal gain while unblocked toward the ball carrier.

— Duke defensive end Vincent Anthony had a sack on Pavia on one play after beating the left tackle with ease around the edge, after also recovering a fumbled snap earlier in the day.

— Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas bent the edge around the left tackle and got to LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for the strip-sack.

— Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher had a great day in the passing game, showing fluidity and good hands in coverage while also flattening Penn State running back Nick Singleton on a pass rush rep. Kyle Louis is another National Team linebacker who excelled against the pass, both as a pass rusher and in coverage. While some debate between linebacker or safety for his NFL position, Louis excelled at whatever's been asked of him so far.

— Arkansas linebacker Xavian Sorey and Arizona State's Keyshaun Elliott both stood out during American Team practice. Sorey found himself around the ball frequently, as did Elliott while also showing off a good pass breakup during 1-on-1s.

— Texas A&M linebacker Scooby Williams made an impact on consecutive plays, as he reached behind him to break up a shallow pass over the middle of the field before slicing into the backfield to blow up a run on the next play.

- Kansas State safety VJ Payne had perhaps the best day of any safety, as he was all over the place during 11-on-11s, reacting quickly and getting to the receiver immediately at the catch point, and even breaking up a chunk play over the middle of the field while covering Houston tight end Tanner Koziol.

— Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood had a day of highs and lows, being beaten on some routes where receivers made crisp cuts, but then showing why his speed is an asset in keeping with receivers downfield and smothering them in coverage.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.