Film Room: BoPete Keyes Brings Intriguing Depth to Colts' CB Room

This next clip is a much better example of his ability in press coverage. With 32.625 inch arms, Keyes has the ability to be physical at the line of scrimmage and disrupt routes with relative ease.

The receiver in this clip doesn't put up too much of a fight, but I like this aggressive jam by Keyes. The Colts typically don't have their cornerbacks use their hands too much in press coverage, but Keyes' ability may change that. This is a big area where he can win in his game.

As a cornerback, there is still a lot of things to work on with Keyes. He has a lot of false steps in his movements and does get beat through contact a bit too easily for a player with his size and traits.

The upside here is huge, though. If the Colts can get him some field experience this year while also allowing him to play in more comfortable positions (press-man coverage, underneath zone), then I think he could develop into a quality depth player over time.

The Colts claimed Keyes primarily for his potential as a cornerback but he did have a couple nice plays on special teams a year ago. With the Colts, the bottom of the roster players have to be able to play special teams in order to dress on gameday.

Keyes won't be a primary special teams player and likely won't play a key spot on the team (such as gunner). He can do just enough though to warrant being dressed on gameday, which is great for his chances of playing each week.

Final Thoughts

I am still a bit shocked that the Chiefs exposed Keyes to waivers after final cut downs this week. He has a ways to go before being a legit contributor in the NFL, but he has sky high potential that shouldn't be undersold.

When it comes to the Colts' cornerback depth now, the top four are firmly in place with Xavier Rhodes, Kenny Moore II, Rock Ya-Sin, and T.J. Carrie. After that though, it will be an interesting battle for snaps. Personally, I'd have Isaiah Rodgers as the fifth guy, but the Colts do typically like to keep their top special teams players from playing defense.

If the Colts end up limiting Rodgers' defensive snaps due to his special teams ability, then Keyes should be the front-runner for the fifth cornerback spot. It may not be a huge role on the defense, but it is one that could see some playing time this season. Either way, I'm excited for Keyes' potential in Indy.