Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question on special teams

The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed.

So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Rounding out our preview is the special teams unit.

Below you can find our previous position previews.

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs
• Tight ends
• Wide receivers
• Offensive line
• Defensive ends
• Defensive tackles
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties

Can Spencer Shrader provide a steady presence at kicker for the Indianapolis Colts?

The Colts made the decision to move on from veteran kicker Matt Gay earlier this offseason in favor of Spencer Shrader. As GM Chris Ballard described following the roster move, this decision was far less about Gay and more so about what they think of Shrader.

Shrader, a 2024 UDFA who originally signed with the Colts and spent part of the season on and off their practice squad, really impressed Ballard with his ability to play for multiple teams last season while still remaining consistent.

He finished his rookie season playing for the Colts, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs at various points, and made all nine extra point attempts and all five field goal attempts, per PFF.

"He leaves us and performs and performs at two different teams –you know how hard that is?" Ballard said. "That's difficult now, to go to two different teams and have to perform – that is not easy. You're working with a totally different operation at both – different snapper and different holder – and to go in and be successful. This had more to do with Spencer than it did, really, with Matt."

However, Shrader is still a relatively inexperienced kicker, which includes no regular-season attempts from 50-plus yards. We've seen countless examples around the NFL of young kickers struggling.

Now, that of course has no bearing on what happens with Shrader, but it is often a reality of this position group. Until we see otherwise, there will be some uncertainty in terms of what to expect from Shrader this season.

"We have two vets that are in the room with Luke Rhodes and Rigo Sanchez, and just letting him work with those guys as much as humanly possible over OTAs and training camp to help him take that next step," said special teams coach Brian Mason. "But really excited to have him. We think he's got a lot of upside, got a lot of potential, and can be really successful in the NFL."

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' OTAs: Can Spencer Shrader provide stability at kicker?