Earlier than OTAs begins for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s make an early 53-man roster prediction.
The Indianapolis Colts will start Part III of the offseason packages on Could twenty eighth, which implies the beginning of voluntary Organized Group Actions (OTAs).
We’re, after all, a good distance off earlier than closing roster choices should be made in late August, and the caveat is that quite a bit can change as OTAs, coaching camp, and the preseason unfold.
However given the offseason roster additions that had been made, each in free company and within the NFL draft, primarily based on what we presently know, let’s make an early 53-man roster prediction previous to OTAs beginning.
(3) Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
Richardson and Jones are competing for the beginning job, however we have seen in every of Shane Steichen’s first two seasons that he is rostered three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Sticking with that custom, Leonard earns that function over Jason Bean.
Indianapolis Colts working backs
(3) Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens
As GM Chris Ballard stated on the NFL mix, extra manufacturing is required behind Taylor. So he signed Herbert and drafted Giddens this offseason. I will give each these gamers the sting over Tyler Goodson, who was the third again final season.
Indianapolis Colts large receivers
(6) Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
This can be a fairly simple place group. It was the one unit this offseason the place an addition wasn’t actually wanted as a result of we have already got a good suggestion of what the roster goes to appear like.
Indianapolis Colts tight ends
(4) Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
That fourth spot, the place I’ve Will Mallory, might be up for grabs if another person, like Jelani Woods, can emerge over the summer time. However for now, I will go together with Mallory, who was on the roster final season however performed a small function.
Indianapolis Colts offensive line
(9) Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Dalton Tucker, Danny Pinter, Jalen Travis
My massive query right here was whether or not to maintain 9 or 10 offensive linemen. Wesley French, for instance, has some NFL expertise and might play middle and guard. With younger starters in Bortolini and Goncalves, having some added depth may very well be priceless. Nevertheless, conserving 10 offensive linemen means going gentle at one other place group, so for now, I went with 9 till I see extra.
Indianapolis Colts line of defense
(10) DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Neville Gallimore, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, JT Tuimoloau, Tim Smith
We find out about Ballard’s perception in relation to constructing via the defensive entrance, so I went heavy right here and stored 10 defenders. The Colts want extra from this unit in 2025, and Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme ought to assist with that. There may be a whole lot of good depth right here.
Indianapolis Colts linebackers
(5) Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bechie
There are some unknowns at this place, given the shortage of defensive expertise. Nevertheless, Carlies seems to be in line to begin subsequent to Franklin, whereas Olubi and McGrone have ample particular groups expertise. Bechie was lately signed and has been a core particular groups participant as effectively, however he comes from Cincinnati and is aware of Anarumo’s scheme.
Indianapolis Colts cornerbacks
(6) Jaylon Jones, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack, Justin Walley
I needed to make a troublesome determination right here by not conserving Corey Ballentine, who was simply signed in free company. Numbers-wise, I could not maneuver conserving seven cornerbacks on the roster. Behind my decision-making is the truth that Ballentine is nearing his age-30 season whereas Womack remains to be simply 26. So when discussing depth, I went with the youthful, larger upside participant. Additionally of notice, whereas Ballentine was simply signed, if the Colts had been to launch him, the lifeless cap hit is simply $482,500, per Over the Cap.
Indianapolis Colts safeties
(4) Nick Cross, Cam Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Hunter Wohler
As we detailed lately, the enjoying expertise at this place behind Cross, Bynum, and Thomas is sort of skinny. That, coupled with us seeing the Colts go skinny at this place group prior to now in relation to the 53-man roster development, is why I stored solely 4 gamers.
Indianapolis Colts particular groups unit
(3) Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
The Colts did herald UDFA kicker Maddux Trujillo, however till confirmed in any other case, that is Shrader’s job–who the staff actually likes.
About The Author
