In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Colts selected several players they were hoping could develop into key pieces. 

So far, only Josh Downs (79th overall) and Jaylon Jones (221st overall) could be considered successful picks. Others, like 4th overall selection Anthony Richardson Sr., haven’t been as impactful as the class enters their third year in the league. 

With the emergence of Jones at cornerback, JuJu Brents, Indy’s second round pick in 2023, has become the subject of potential trade talk. Brents has battled injuries through his first two years, appearing in just 11 out of a possible 34 games.

Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes Brents could benefit from a change to give him a fresh start. 

“Brents still has a chance to earn a starting job during training camp, since the spot opposite (Charvarius) Ward is expected to be up for grabs,” he writes. “But the 25-year-old is facing an uphill battle to beat out both Jones and (Justin) Walley, and he might have a better opportunity to get playing time elsewhere.”

Brents, who came out of Kansas State with excellent athleticism and the traits to develop into a starter, was drafted with the intention that he would fit into then defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s zone coverage scheme. 

With Indy moving on from Bradley and bringing in Lou Anarumo to run a more aggressive man coverage scheme, Brents is in danger of falling out of favor. While he does have some of the skills to fit into the new defense, he is at a disadvantage. 

At this point, it’s difficult to project how the Colts’ depth chart shakes out. Having practiced three times in training camp so far, all three of Brents, Jones and Walley have gotten time with the starting unit. With Ward and Kenny Moore II locked in as starters, with Jones defending his spot, Brents has his work cut out for him if he’s to make it work in Indianapolis.