Ballard, Johnson look to make Colts AFC Title contenders
Marcus Johnson, the former football standout from Clear Springs High School, spent his college career playing for the Texas Longhorns and then made the leap to the NFL, despite being unchosen in the 2016 NFL Draft. But a decent University of Texas pro day, in which his 4.39 speed and impressive 22 reps on the bench press put him on the map, drew the attention of the Philadelphia Eagles. He suffered a quadriceps injury during training camp of his rookie season and was waived before being re-signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad.
The following season, Johnson made the 53-man roster and in only his second season was a Super Bowl champion after the Eagles defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. But prior to the 2018 campaign, Johnson was shipped to Seattle in a trade with the Seahawks for defensive end Michael Bennett and an exchange of draft picks. However, Johnson would not play a snap for the ‘Hawks as he was dealt to the Colts for tight end Darrell Daniels. He caught his first NFL touchdown pass that before an ankle injury in Week 6 derailed his season.
Despite an abbreviated 2019 season due to injury, the 25-year-old wide receiver averaged 16.3 yards per reception on 17 catches and had a pair of trips into the endzone for Indianapolis in eight games. He was allowed to hit free agency this year but on April 22 the Colts re-signed him to a one-year offer. Johnson will be battling a stable of wide receivers looking to back up T.Y. Hilton and recently drafted second-round pick Michael Pittman Jr. but he is listed second on the depth chart along with fellow journeyman Zach Pascal.
However, Johnson could get an opportunity to make a name for himself this season if the dominos fall just right and he can steer clear of injuries. The Texans will see Johnson up close and personal twice this season and although he doesn’t register as a big-time playmaker, there are those who believe he has the talent and determination to be a legitimate contributor. This season will see if the kid from Clear Springs can cement a roster spot, beat the odds, and become a legitimate pass-catching threat in the NFL.
AFC South Odds
Although the coronavirus is jeopardizing the 2020 season, the official word is that the league will begin on time. However, it is subject to change but SBR is still dealing and the Colts’ odds are +125 to win the AFC South followed by the Titans (+175), Texans (+300), and Jaguars (+2000) pulling up the rear. Of course, the acquisition of Phillip Rivers has as much to do with their frontrunner status as anything, and getting a weapon like USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. early in the second round will help the cause.
The Colts had a banner draft and also added to their rushing attack when Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor was available seven picks after selecting Pittman. Utah safety and third-round selection Justin Blackmon will bolster Indy’s defensive backfield but in the fourth round, the Colts got another gift when Washington QB Jacob Eason was still hanging around. Eason had been mentioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft and could be an absolute steal and potential heir apparent to Rivers once he calls it a career within the next two years.
Indianapolis was without a first-round pick after sending the No. 13 overall pick to the 49ers for All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner but after making several draft day trades, they wound up with nine picks and if you listen to Colts general manager Chris Ballard, he came away a happy man. “We are excited,” said the 1988 Texas City High School graduate. “I mean, we had a great weekend. Our guys worked their tails off to get this thing lined up right and we think we acquired players that are going to help us win and be good Colts here in the future.”
