A look at the Indianapolis Colts cornerback position entering the 2009 NFL season

In the 11th of a position-by-position series, we'll examine the Indianapolis Colts' cornerback position entering 2009 training camp . . .

The Indianapolis Colts' cornerback position is similar in a sense to the team's safety position and several others -- the thing that made last season difficult could make this season special.

That thing? Injuries.

The Colts' cornerback position, expected to be an area of strength entering last season, instead became weakened by injuries early, with potential Pro Bowler Kelvin Hayden missing six games early in the season with knee and hamstring injuries. Also, Marlin Jackson -- like Hayden, a 16-game starter in 2007 -- sustained a knee injury in late October and was lost for the season.

Even with the injuries, the cornerback position had a solid year. Tim Jennings, a second-round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, started 12 games in place of Hayden and Jackson, and veteran Keiwan Ratliff -- no longer with the team -- filled in and made some of the biggest plays of the season. Their solid play helped the Colts set an NFL record for fewest touchdown passes allowed in a season with six.

Hayden is fully healthy entering 2009, and Jackson participated in the team's organized team activities in June. The team did not re-sign Ratliff, but Jennings and his experience gained last season in difficult circumstances give the Colts a deep, experienced group at the position.

Breaking down the Colts' cornerback position . . .

Kelvin Hayden, fifth season, Illinois. A second-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, Hayden played sparingly in his first two seasons before developing into a starter in 2007. Since then, he has emerged as the Colts' top corner and the team's first elite-level player at the spot in at least a decade. He re-signed a multi-year contract this past offseason that established him as a franchise player. In 10 games last season, he made 62 tackles, had three interceptions and led the team with 12 passes defensed. Outlook: If his development continues at its recent pace, he could push for a spot in the Pro Bowl.

Marlin Jackson, fifth season, Michigan. Jackson has been a solid player since being selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He perhaps doesn't appear to be on course to being an elite-level, perennial Pro Bowl selection, but in 2007 -- his only full season as a starter -- he was a solid player in pass defense and a big-time player against the run. He had 46 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery last season before missing the last nine games of the season with a knee injury. Outlook: His participation in OTAs was a good sign he'll be as close to 100 percent as possible to start the season.

Tim Jennings, fourth season, Georgia. He's a player some fans love to criticize, but Jennings last season played his first injury-free NFL season and improved during his first extensive playing time. After missing five games with injuries in each of his first two seasons, Jennings -- a second-round selection in 2006 -- played in 16 games last season, starting 12 in place of Hayden and Jackson at various times. He finished the season with 74 tackles and eight passes defensed. He also made two interceptions, forcing two fumbles and recovering two more. He made mistakes early, but the Colts set an NFL record for fewest touchdown passes allowed and Jennings was part of a group that did a solid job the last half of the season. Outlook: His experience should make him a solid third corner if Hayden and Jackson remain healthy.

Michael Coe, third season, Alabama State. After playing six games as a rookie in 2007, he missed the entire 2008 season because of a preseason knee injury. He hasn't played enough to prove himself yet, but he has been impressive at times in practice and has ability to be a soild NFL corner. Outlook: If he remains healthy, he could get sigificant time in passing situations.

Jerraud Powers, rookie, Auburn. His selection in the third round surprised some observers, but his stock rose before the draft and he is the sort of player the Colts like: a productive player from a big-time conference. He started two seasons at Auburn with six interceptions and 16 passes defensed. Outlook: He may not play a huge role on defense as a rookie, but he'll likely contribute on special teams with the idea he'll play extensively on defense next season.

T.J. Rushing, fourth season, Stanford. The Colts' top kick and punt returner in 2007, he missed the 2008 season with a knee injury and will have to work his way back into his former role in training camp. That could be difficult for a reserve corner coming off a serious knee injury, but Rushing has surprised people before. Before his injury, Rushing was developing into a serviceable corner in addition to his role as a returner. Whether he can secure a spot after being out for a year is the question. Outlook: He'll compete for the returner's role in training camp. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to win that job back and continue developing at corner.

Dante Hughes, third season, California. A third-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, he worked his way into playing in passing situations as a rookie, but missed the last six games of the season. He played 14 games last season, but spent the season as a reserve/special teams player, with the team playing veteran journeyman Keiwan Ratliff ahead of Hughes when injuries hit the position. He had a pass defensed and an interception last season, but he may need to prove he can contribute next season in passing situations to earn a spot on the roster. Outlook: He may have to perform better in training camp than he has the last two seasons to make the roster.

Brandon Foster, first season, Texas. Signed by the Colts shortly after the 2008 NFL Draft, officials and coaches liked him enough to keep him on the practice squad last season, and this is a team that likes to develop young players on the practice squad. Outlook: A long shot, but it wouldn't be shocking if he earned a roster spot.

Travis Key, first season, Michigan. Signed by the Colts shortly after the 2008 season, he spent time on the practice squads of Minnesota, Cleveland, Detroit and San Diego last season. Outlook: A long shot to make the roster.

Nick Graham, third season, Tulsa. He appeared in four games as a special teams player after the Cotls signed him as a free agent in early October. He missed the last month and a half of the season with a knee injury. Outlook: Another long shot to make the roster at a deep position.

Brandon Anderson, rookie, Akron. He signed as a free agent shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft. Outlook: Another long shot to make the roster at a deep position.

Brandon Harrison, rookie, Michigan. He signed as a free agent shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft. Outlook: Another long shot to make the roster at a deep position.

Jacob Lacey, rookie, Oklahoma State. He signed as a free agent shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft. Outlook: Another long shot to make the roster at a deep position.

Synopsis

This could be the best the Colts have been at the corner position in some time, with the reason being a solid mix of big-time talent and solid, experienced depth.

Hayden, after a solid rookie season, missed six games with injuries last season, but he continues to improve and has the ability to be an elite corner. With Jackson returning from injury and Jennings improving last season themore he played, Indianapolis has three front-line corners who aren't liabilities. Coe is a player to watch in training camp. The team likes his talent, but he has been unable to stay healthy enough in his first two seasons to contribute. Powers figures to take the place of veteran Dante Hughes as the team's developmental corner unless Hughes emerges in training camp.

Starters: Hayden, Jackson.

On the roster: Jennings, Coe, Rushing, Powers.

On the practice squad: Foster.

THE POSITION-BY-POSITION PRE-TRAINING CAMP SERIES: