Khari

Willis

In an Instagram post announcing his decision, Willis said he was retiring “to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Colts drafted Willis in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was a weekly starter by his second season and appeared in 11 games in 2021. Willis ends his career with four interceptions, 11 pass defenses, and 3.5 sacks. He projected to start at strong safety in 2022. That role could fall to Julian Blackmon if the Colts see him as a good fit at the position.

Indy also signed fifth-round CB Marvell Tell. The Colts traded up to select Willis, who made 30 starts at Michigan State. He finished his college career with four sacks and four interceptions while earning third-team All Big Ten honors as a senior.

The Colts surrendered the No. 129 and 135 picks to move up 20 spots. Willis (5’11/213) made 30 starts in the Spartans’ backend, graduating with 6.5 career TFLs, four sacks, and four picks and earning third-team All-Big Ten as a senior. PFF College credited Willis with just a 73.6 passer rating allowed in 2018. Equipped with adequate speed (4.52) and well known for his leadership and character, Willis offers slot corner and deep-safety experience but lacks true man-coverage ability and has shaky ball skills. He’s a probable special teamer and No. 3 safety who could start in a pinch.