Colts Players Share Insights on Their Paths to Starting Roles

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 1: During a recent practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Indianapolis Colts' Ashton Dulin participated in drills as he prepares for the upcoming season. Dulin and fellow teammate Arden Key both discussed their journeys and ambitions as they compete for starting positions on the team.

Dulin, who joined the Colts as an undrafted rookie from Division II Malone, has spent all seven seasons of his NFL career with the franchise. He began as a vital contributor on special teams but has since evolved into a potential starting wide receiver, especially following the trade of veteran Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. Dulin reflected on Pittman’s departure, stating, “Yeah, losing Pitt, obviously was big for our room. This guy was a culture guy. A leader guy. So we’ll miss him obviously, but our receivers are a good, close-knit group.”

With opportunities for playing time now available, Dulin emphasized the importance of consistent effort and preparation: “That’s just being on the basis of doing everything right, every day. Come into work. Open the playbook. Take care of your bodies.” He aims to seize the opportunity to secure a starting position, noting that he approaches this competition with the mentality of a rookie eager to prove himself.

On the defensive side, Arden Key, who recently signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Colts, is positioned as a leading candidate for the starting defensive end role. Key, a former third-round draft pick who has played for several teams including the Titans, discussed the need for consistency in securing his spot: “The most consistent guy will win the job. That’s just what it is in this league.” His experience and performance from the previous season, where he started nine games, make him a strong contender to replace Kwity Paye, who has moved to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Key's primary challenger for the position is Jaylahn Tuimoloau, a second-round pick from 2025, who is looking to bounce back after a slow start to his rookie season. With the Colts' defensive line undergoing changes, both players are eager to establish themselves and contribute significantly to the team.