According to PFF, recently signed rookie Trey Washington, who’s a rookie safety out of Ole Miss, is the ‘one UDFA to watch for’ on the Indianapolis Colts this offseason:
Indianapolis Colts: S Trey Washington, Ole Miss
Although the Colts are thin at linebacker, undrafted free agent Solomon DeShields played more than 300 snaps in only one of his four college seasons and might have a tough road to snaps in the NFL.
Instead, we’ll highlight Washington, whose 90.2 PFF tackling grade and 87.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2024 both ranked in the top 15 among FBS safeties. Indianapolis lacks proven depth behind Nick Cross and Cam Bynum, opening the door for Washington to earn a role.
The 5’10,” 205 pound senior safety recorded 64 tackles (37 solo), 3 tackles for loss, an interception, and 8 passes defensed during 13 starts this past season.
He had a RAS of 6.58 out of a maximum of 10.0.
While the Colts added Camryn Bynum as a key free agent signing to shore up the backend of their secondary under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the depth behind him and fellow starter Nick Cross is somewhat suspect.
Backup 4th-year safety Rodney Thomas II hasn’t really put together consistently good film since his rookie season, while former 2023 5th round pick Daniel Scott has had consecutive season-ending injuries and has yet to play a professional snap for Indianapolis.
The Colts are also still retaining safety Marcel Dabo out of Stuttgard, who was allocated to them back in 2023, as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program—and were recently awarded a roster exemption.
It’s quite possible that a safety like Washington could seriously compete and push for an active roster spot, given the current state of the Colts’ safety room collectively. In particular, if Washington is able to be a key contributor on special teams.