Latest colts mailbag can jonathan newsome take some of erik waldens snaps

Mike WellsMay 30, 2015, 08:00 AM ET

@MikeWellsNFL After an impressive close to last season (& a much higher ceiling) why doesn't Newsome steal Walden's reps away? #ColtsMailbag
— Josh McMillan (@joshwmac) May 29, 2015

Mike Wells: Jonathan Newsome, who led the Colts in sacks with 6.5, is the likely favorite to backup Trent Cole at rush linebacker if Robert Mathis isn't ready for the start of the regular season. Mathis will likely start if he's completely healthy from his torn Achilles. Erik Walden had a decent 2014 season, finishing second on the team in sacks with 6.0. The player who could be impacted the most next season is Bjoern Werner, who played rush linebacker his first two seasons. Werner's best position might actually be on the strong side backing up Walden. Coach Chuck Pagano was asked about Werner recently. "He's athletic enough to play (rush or strong side linebacker)," Pagano said. "He's a bonus. He can play either outside position for us because he can play in space as well as set the edge, rush the passer and play coverage. He's not limited to one side or the other."

@MikeWellsNFL Which WR and which TE will lead the #Colts in TDs this season? #coltsmail
— Mike Mifflin (@Mike_Mifflin) May 29, 2015

Wells: As far as receivers go, I'm going to say T.Y. Hilton. I expect him to have an even better season than the one he had last season. He might not have as many receptions as last season, but I can see him averaging more yards a reception than the 16.4 yards he averaged last season. I would like to say Dwayne Allen will lead the tight ends in touchdowns, but he's got that "injury prone" label by his name. He had eight touchdown receptions last season despite missing three games. So while Allen is the Colts best all-around tight end, I've got to give the edge to Coby Fleener because he hasn't missed a game in the past two seasons.

@MikeWellsNFL who appears to be the third receiver right now?
— Alexander the Great (@abaltzegar15) May 29, 2015

Wells: It's way too early to tell. Hilton and Andre Johnson will be the top two receivers, but it's a toss-up after that. Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett and Duron Carter are the primary players competing for that spot. That's a battle that likely won't be figured out until after training camp. And even then, things could change on the depth chart at that position (the third receiver) throughout the season. The Colts are in an excellent spot at receiver because of the depth they have there.

@MikeWellsNFL if Mewhort takes over for Cherilus at tackle, who do you see taking the two guard spots? #coltsmail
— Ryan Bond (@TitaniumRanger6) May 29, 2015

l Wells: Todd Herremans will likely start at one of the guard spots with Hugh Thornton and Lance Louis being the frontrunners for the other spot. Newcomer Ben Heenan is also in the mix. I'd give the edge to Thornton because he's started at guard the past two seasons in place of the injured Donald Thomas. Speaking of Thomas, he has to prove he can stay healthy before putting him in the running for a start spot. He's missed the past two seasons with a torn quad and bicep.

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Colts Mailbag: Can Jonathan Newsome take some of Erik Walden's snaps?