Aside from those in the Colts organization, CB Darrell Baker Jr. was probably not on anyone’s radar to make a splash in camp and even compete for a starting role on the defense.

Darrell Baker Jr. was an undrafted free agent in 2022 from Georgia Southern University. As a redshirt senior in 2021, Baker started in 12 games and racked up 24 solo tackles with one interception and 8 pass breakups. He did not break any school records or get first or second-team honors, but he made the NFL and once you get here, the sky is the limit.

As an undrafted free agent in 2022, Baker moved from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad to the Colts practice squad and has done nothing but put in work to get himself better and better every day. In the 2022 season, Baker was signed to the active roster on two separate occasions and made three appearances in games. All 31 of his combined snaps were on special teams in which he had 1 fumble recovery against the Texans in week 18.

So, how does a practice squad player with very minimal playing experience start taking snaps with the first-team defense? When asked about his mindset going into camp with how open the cornerback position is, Baker stated, “Whether I’m on the practice squad or whatever, I always prepare like the starter, so i’m going to have that mindset no matter what”.

The cornerback position is certainly wide open for anyone to take the next starting role. With most teams carrying 6 cornerbacks, only one is a lock to be a starter – Kenny Moore II. If Baker continues to shine in this defense, the Colts will have another late round/undrafted surprise on defense. Last year, it was Rodney Thomas II. Will it be Darrell Baker Jr. this year?