Evaluating play of Colts' rookies in preseason game v. Patriots

The Indianapolis Colts' first preseason game against the Patriots provided us with an opportunity to see (most of) this year's rookie class in extended action for the first time. So how did these players perform in their NFL debuts? Let's take a look. LB CJ Allen Allen is still working through a hamstring injury and did not play in Thursday's game. S AJ Haulcy Haulcy started at safety and filled the free safety role. If he starts next to Cam Bynum, we will likely see Haulcy more so playing closer to the line of scrimmage as the strong safety. That said, he was able to showcase his versatility in this game. Haulcy finished with three solo tackles. G Jalen Farmer Farmer started at right guard for the Colts with Matt Goncalves not playing. Farmer brings both size and length to the Colts' interior offensive line, helping him hold up well in pass protection against defensive tackles. LB Bryce Boettcher Boettcher was in the mix early on with Austin Ajiake and Jaylon Carlies at linebacker. From the jump, Boettcher's physicality and range were on display. He recorded three tackles. DE George Gumbs Jr. The thought is that Gumbs will need time to develop as he's still relatively new to the defensive end position. That said, he showcased his potential on Thursday, logging two tackles, including one for a loss, a sack, and a quarterback hit. DE Caden Curry Curry was one of the Colts' best performers overall. He totaled six tackles as a run defender, including three solo, and two for a loss. He also generated a sack and three quarterback hits, along with two pass deflections. RB Seth McGowan McGowan seems to be in the driver's seat for the backup running back role. Getting the start in New England, he rushed for 17 yards on five carries. McGowan was also credited with a fumble that didn't look like a fumble. WR Deion Burks Burks is competing for a roster spot with Anthony Gould and Coleman Owen. He caught one pass for nine yards and had a 25-yard kick return. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Evaluating play of Colts' rookies in preseason game v. Patriots