TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Here are five observations from the Colts' training camp:

1. The addition of wide receiver Qadry Ismail will be huge for the three-receiver set. No knock on Terrence Wilkins or Jerome Pathon, but Ismail gives the Colts a polished, precise receiver who knows how to get open deep. Ismail will be a favorite of quarterback Peyton Manning.

2. Linebacker Marcus Washington looks as though he's ready for a great season on the outside, but the sleeper in the linebacking group is fourth-rounder David Thornton. Thornton made more big hits and running impact plays working with the second defense.

3. As good as Edgerrin James looks, don't forget about Dominic Rhodes. After a 1,104-yard rookie season filling in for James, Rhodes looks like a 1,200-yard runner. He has elusiveness running between the tackles and he hits the inside runs quickly. Don't be surprised to see both in the backfield on some plays.

4. First-rounder Dwight Freeney is getting good experience going up against tackles Adam Meadows and Tarik Glenn in pass-rush drills. Meadows and Glenn are among the top six tackle combos in the league. If Freeney gains confidence working against them, he could make a big impact.

5. The Colts look as though they should be fine at cornerback with Walt Harris and David Macklin. Macklin looks much more confident after struggling through his rookie season last year with 16 starts. A big plus would be if Nick Harper settles into the No. 3 cornerback spot. So far, Harper is drawing rave reviews in the early camp.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.