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**INDIANAPOLIS** **–** A safety or a linebacker?
That’s the debate for 7th round pick Hunter Wohler.
While the Colts initially announced Wohler would be transitioning to linebacker from his safety days at Wisconsin, the listing is now “DB” for the 7th rounder.
Under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts are expected to use more personnel groupings, with some secondary guys playing linebacker type roles on passing downs, so Wohler has a chance fit there.
“Lou is pretty creative with what he’s going to do,” Chris Ballard says. “You’re going to see corners playing some dime roles and inside.
“We took Hunter in the seventh who reminds me a lot of Daniel Sorensen, who we had in Kansas City (and) was a really good player for us. We think he’s going to be able to play multiple roles. We (initially) listed him as a linebacker. He’ll play a little bit of both.”
The good news for Wohler is the Colts definitely need help filling out the depth at both linebacker and safety. Neither spot has much confirmed beyond the starters (Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Carlies at linebacker; Cam Bynum and Nick Cross at safety).
Wohler knows full well his college history on special teams will be a must-show to earn one of those precious 53-man roster spots.
In leading Wisconsin in tackles each of the last two seasons, Wohler was not some stationary defender.
“They played me in a lot of different spots, which is great. I loved it,” Wohler says. “I loved being all over the field, and having to do a lot of different jobs, a lot of different responsibilities. I loved it and I think it only makes me more prepared for this next opportunity.”
When the 7th round rolls around, there’s a thought it would be better for some prospects to go undrafted, therefore being able to pick the most favorable depth chart situation.
For Wohler though, this Colts opportunity looks pretty good on paper, even if that “linebacker” label has turned back to “safety.”
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