Revised Colts' 53-man roster projection after minicamp takeaways
Article excerpt
The Indianapolis Colts held three minicamp practices, and a roster analyst has updated their 53-man projection based on what they observed. The piece walks through positional groups, quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs, identifying which players are locks, which are competing for jobs, and which face uncertain futures. Notable developments from the field work shaped the updated forecast, though the specific breakthrough moments and standout performances aren't detailed in the description provided.
With the Indianapolis Colts' three mandatory minicamp practices behind us, let's put together a 53-man roster prediction factoring in what we've learned.
While what takes place during minicamp isn't the be-all and end-all, these practices do provide us with some insight into where things stand on the depth chart, which players stand out, and the foundation heading into training camp in late July is established.
That said, training camp will carry far more weight when it comes to these final roster decisions. But for now, here is our best guess on where things stand with the 53-man roster.
Quarterback (3)
Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard
Richardson remains with the team, and we don't know if a trade will take place. So for now, he's on the 53-man roster and is currently competing with Leonard for the backup role.
Running back (3)
Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan
McGowan is competing with Giddens for the RB2 role behind Taylor. Minicamp did shed some light on where things stand within this position group.
Wide receiver (6)
Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Deion Burks, Anthony Gould
Laquon Treadwell could end up pushing Westbrook-Ikhine for a roster spot, but for now, we'll still give the recent free agent signee the benefit of the doubt.
Tight end (3)
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
I went light at the tight end position, rostering only three players. Will Mallory has been the fourth tight end but has hardly seen playing time. If the Colts need more game-day depth, they can elevate a player from the practice squad.
Offensive line (9)
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Geno VanDeMark, Dalton Tucker, Jalen Farmer, Luke Tenuta
Some difficult decisions had to be made here. I went with UDFA Geno VanDeMark as the backup center. I also went with Luke Tenuta as the swing tackle, choosing his experience over Nolan Rucci's upside. The Colts need some stability on the depth chart. Blake Freeland did not make the team.
Defensive line (11)
Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, JT Tuimoloau, Caden Curry, George Gumbs, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Colby Wooden, Jerry Tillery, Adetomiwa Adebawore
The defensive end room became quite crowded, but I expect Ballard to find a way to keep them all on the roster, although like Westbrook-Ikhine, Clemons could be a name to watch. One notable cut is that Derrick Nnadi, a free agent signing and primary run defender, is not on the team. Ballard has shown over the years that he's more than willing to roster additional defenders up front.
Linebacker (4)
CJ Allen, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies
The Colts rostered just four linebackers on last year's initial 53-man, so I'll go that route again, with there not being much experienced depth at this position. Each of these players saw some snaps with the ones during minicamp as the Colts search for their best starting configuration.
Cornerback (6)
Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Justin Walley, Johnathan Edwards, Mekhi Blackmon, Cameron Mitchell
I did make a change here, I put Johnathan Edwards on the roster and took Cam Taylor-Britt off. Edwards appears poised to make a jump in Year 2.
Safety (5)
Cam Bynum, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, Hunter Wohler, AJ Haulcy
There will be competition for the starting spot next to Cam Bynum, but assuming the Colts keep five safeties, this position group seems fairly straightforward.
Special teams (3)
Rigoberto Sanchez, Blake Grupe, Luke Rhodes
Grupe and Spencer Shrader will presumably be competing for the kicking job. For now, I'll go with Grupe, who had the better minicamp.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' updated 53-man roster following 3 minicamp practices