Why Colts picked up Eagles nickel Kapena Gushiken on waivers
· Yahoo Sports
INDIANAPOLIS — Kapena Gushiken wasn’t preparing to leave Philadelphia.
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He knew it could happen. Any rookie who goes undrafted has to know he might get waived at the end of training camp, even if he’s played as well as Gushiken, turning the Eagles’ heads with his defensive versatility and impact on special teams.
But there was a lot of speculation that Gushiken’s strong training camp had earned him a 53-man roster spot with the Eagles.
“I was under the impression that I was going to be in Philly for the season,” Gushiken said.
Maybe the Eagles believed they could sneak Gushiken through waivers.
They should have known. The Colts have been high on Gushiken since the pre-draft process. Indianapolis brought in Gushiken for a top-30 visit during the pre-draft process, then tried to outbid Philadelphia for the Ole Miss defensive back’s services as soon as the draft ended.
Indianapolis pounced the moment Gushiken hit the waiver wire.
“They were pretty high on me,” Gushiken said. “Coming out after the draft, it was between them and Philly. I ended up choosing Philly, but what’s meant to be is meant to be. We’re here now.”
The Colts have plenty of ways to use Gushiken, a 5-9, 189-pound defensive back who can play multiple positions on defense.
“We got a chance to get a guy that can play the nickel,” Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard said. “We see an athletic, fast guy with tremendous character. We really liked him on our visit, so it’ll be a good addition to the team.”
Gushiken can also play a critical role on special teams.
Philadelphia used Gushiken’s elite athleticism in a gunner role, a skill set that can always be used in coverage units.
“Certainly, somebody that could add value for us now and moving forward,” Indianapolis special teams coordinator Brian Mason said. “I think he's just somebody that, when you look at some of those attributes we've talked about, what makes a good special teams player? They play with passion, relentless effort. They're tough. I think those fit all of the things that Kap has shown on film so far.”
Indianapolis initially listed Gushiken as a backup to Justin Walley at the nickel. The Colts have more depth at safety.
That can change in a hurry, and because of that, Gushiken is working as hard as he can to get up to speed on Lou Anarumo’s Colts defense.
“The only downside to it was how quick the transition was, being able to pick up a brand-new playbook,” Gushiken said. “I dedicated so much time in Philly to picking up their playbook, and I was playing multiple positions.”
He didn’t think he’d be leaving Philadelphia this season.
But he might have found a home anyway.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Colts picked up Eagles nickel Kapena Gushiken on waivers
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