Early results have been positive for Colts rookie Phillip Dorsett

INDIANAPOLIS -- To no surprise, Indianapolis Colts rookie Phillip Dorsett has not been a disappointment so far. The Colts wouldn't have taken him in the first round considering their need for help on defense and the offensive line if they didn't feel Dorsett was worth taking at No. 29.

What's been even more impressive about Dorsett is his ability to line up at different spots on offense. The speedster will get first crack at returning kicks and punts for the Colts.

"We wouldn't be moving him around if he wasn't able to handle that," Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said. “His aptitude has impressed me. Obviously, speed is his calling card. But it's not just that. He's a fast guy who can play football. He has receiver's hands and he has elusiveness and change of direction that sometimes true speed freaks don't have. A lot of time they're straight-liners or can't catch, or they're little guys that lack toughness or true hands. He has that skill set."

Dorsett is competing to be the Colts' No. 3 receiver with Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter. Dorsett's signature moment (so far) came during one of the early portions of organized team activities when he blew by Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis and hauled in a long pass from quarterback Andrew Luck.

As far as the other rookies go, safety Clayton Geathers has made an early impression that will make it tough to keep him off the field. He'll be used in a hybrid safety/linebacker role. Defensive end Henry Anderson could back up Kendall Langford, cornerback D'Joun Smith is the frontrunner to be the Colts' fourth cornerback behind Davis, Greg Toler and Darius Butler. David Parry will try to get in the rotation at defensive tackle. And Josh Robinson is competing with Daniel Herron, Vick Ballard (if healthy) and Zurlon Tipton to be Frank Gore's backup at running back.

"We want them to be pros, not rookies," Grigson said. "We want them to contribute this year. And to do those things, you can't just sit back and say, 'Hey, I'm a rookie.' Same as in 2012. You've gotta roll."


(espn.com)