The Indianapolis Colts recently signed German defensive back Marcel Dabo.
The Colts acquired the athletic Dabo through the NFL International Player Pathway Program on May 3.
Once upon a time, Canadian kicker Mike Vanderjagt and German defensive end Bjorn Werner wore the Horseshoe.
With the drafting of Austrian tackle Bernhard Raimann, the Colts have more international flavor in 2022 than in years past.
That is, of course, assuming Dabo makes Indy’s 53-man roster at the end of training camp.
Let’s break down what Dabo brings to the Colts’ table.
Delving Deeper Into Marcel Dabo’s Background
Dabo is a 22-year-old cornerback and kick returner who suited up for the Stuttgart Surge in the European League of Football.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Dabo previously played for the Stuttgart Scorpions youth football program.
As a member of the Surge, Dabo had 28 total tackles and one interception in 2021.
Consequently, he earned ELF All-Star and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He recorded a 4.52 in the 40-second dash, a 39-inch vertical leap, and an 11-foot broad jump at NFL’s International Combine in London.
Defensive Back, Marcel Dabo (@DaboMarcel), from Reutlingen, Germany heads to the @Colts! @NFLDeutschland pic.twitter.com/5QQ9y9qdmr
— NFL (@NFL) May 3, 2022
Dabo’s athleticism caught the eye of the Colts, who flew him to Indianapolis for an official visit two months ago.
He not only made an NFL team, but he also achieved that goal within a relatively short time frame.
Dabo qualifies for the international player practice squad exemption – should the Colts relegate him to their practice squad, they can do so without waiving an existing player on the practice roster.
The Colts can also elevate Dabo to the regular roster in certain instances.
How Can He Help The Colts’ Secondary In 2022?
Should Dabo make the Colts’ roster at nickel, he will play behind Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II – one of the league’s best at that position.
Dabo has his work cut out for him at safety – he will compete against Khari Willis, Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Armani Watts, and Rodney McLeod.
The Colts’ logjam at safety makes it challenging for Dabo to make the roster at that position.
It’s hard envisioning him displacing Willis or Blackmon at safety in 2022 and beyond.
In all likelihood, Dabo will back up Moore at nickelback assuming the former makes the Colts’ active roster.
Ladies and gentleman @DaboMarcel from Germany is the sleeper of this draft- one of the most talented defensive backs with a high ceiling- remember his name! @NFL @PSchrags @AdamSchefter @RapSheet @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/qkWnOawLXZ
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) April 21, 2022
Dabo’s youth and athleticism bode well for a Colts passing defense that ranked 19th in the league with 234.1 passing yards per game allowed last season.
The Final Word On Marcel Dabo
Colts GM Chris Ballard rolled the dice on Dabo.
Now the bigger question looms: will he pay off in the long run?
With the exception of Vanderjagt, no international player has thrived with the Colts in recent memory.
Raimann, the 77th overall selection of the 2022 NFL Draft, has the best chance of doing that this season.
As for Dabo, it seems he’s a long shot to make the Colts’ 53-man roster in the summer.
However, don’t act surprised if he makes the most of his opportunities and proves everyone wrong.
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