Colts’ 53-man roster prediction after offseason

The Indianapolis Colts are away for summer season following the conclusion of minicamp so it is time for us to take a crack at predicting the 53-man roster.

Admittedly, this prediction is probably going too early within the course of. The spring exercises set the muse for the place battles, however the jobs aren’t completely received till coaching camp and the preseason video games arrive. At this level within the offseason, we are able to solely go off of the knowledge we now have at hand.

With that stated, there have already been some main adjustments to the roster for the reason that final time we did a roster prediction. Now that the offseason exercise program is concluded, here is an up to date look getting into the summer season:

Quarterback (2)

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1. Matt Ryan
2. Nick Foles

With Foles now within the combine, there isn’t any actual motive to maintain three quarterbacks on the energetic roster. Ryan has been an ironman all through his profession, and Foles will not want a lot time to get again into Frank Reich’s offense. Put Sam Ehlinger on the apply squad, and this place is sweet to go.

Notable Cuts: Sam Ehlinger, Jack Coan

Working Again (4)

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1. Jonathan Taylor
2. Nyheim Hines
3. Phillip Lindsay
4. D’vonte Worth (UDFA)

There’s an opportunity they maintain solely three right here however we’re going with 4 for particular groups functions. They did so final yr, even when Marlon Mack was a wholesome scratch for almost all of the second half of the season. Lindsay will get the nod over the 2 UDFAs and Deon Jackson. Nevertheless, Worth makes the lower attributable to his intriguing pace, potential as a kick returner and total ability set as a runner.

Notable Cuts: Deon Jackson, CJ Verdell, Ty’Son Williams

Large Receiver (6)

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1. Michael Pittman Jr.
2. Parris Campbell
3. Alec Pierce
4. Dezmon Patmon
5. Ashton Dulin
6. Mike Strachan

The Colts need to maintain six extensive receivers for depth functions. The highest three are locked in basically whereas Patmon and Dulin have the within tracks to the fourth and fifth spots. Strachan might be battling it out for the ultimate roster spot within the room with Keke Coutee and DeMichael Harris. If he is wholesome and out there for coaching camp, Strachan ought to be the favourite for that closing spot.

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Notable Cuts: Keke Coutee, DeMichael Harris

Tight Finish (3)

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1. Mo Alie-Cox
2. Kylen Granson
3. Jelani Woods

We’re going with three right here for a couple of causes. One, depth is required elsewhere. Two, including a fourth tight finish is perhaps redundant contemplating the event that should happen with Andrew Ogletree, who is much and away the favourite for the fourth spot. Alie-Cox ought to be capable to maintain it down whereas Granson works because the F tight finish. They may maintain 4, however Ogletree can discover his solution to the apply squad whereas Woods continues his growth on the energetic roster.

Notable Cuts: Andrew Ogletree

Offensive Line (9)

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1. Matt Pryor
2. Quenton Nelson
3. Ryan Kelly
4. Danny Pinter
5. Braden Smith
6. Bernhard Raimann
7. Will Fries
8. Dennis Kelly
9. Ryan Van Demark (UDFA)

Common supervisor Chris Ballard all the time talks about maintaining 10 offensive linemen, however we’re going one brief right here. Even with questions at left sort out, Pryor can nonetheless be a flexible piece if he loses the job to Raimann. Fries has the flexibility to work at each guard spots whereas Dennis Kelly is a perfect swing sort out. Van Demark makes the lower after getting a fairly robust signing bonus.

Notable Cuts: Jason Spriggs, Brandon Kemp

Defensive Line (9)

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1. Yannick Ngakoue
2. DeForest Buckner
3. Grover Stewart
4. Pay High quality
5. Dayo Odeyingbo
6. Ben Banogu
7. Curtis Brooks
8. Eric Johnson
9. Ifeadi Odenigbo

On this situation, we’re predicting that Tyquan Lewis begins the season on the PUP record after struggling a big knee harm in the course of the Week 8 loss to the Titans. It would not shock me if the Colts play it secure together with his restoration even when it means lacking the primary six video games. Banogu is definitely a wild card right here however I feel his ability set suits properly as a LEO, and we might see some flashes from him throughout coaching camp. With Lewis doubtless on the PUP, Odenigbo will get the ultimate spot attributable to his versatility to work each as a LEO and a giant finish.

Notable Cuts: Bryan Cox, Scott Patchan, Kameron Cline

Linebacker (7)

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1. Darius Leonard
2. Bobby Okereke
3. Zaire Franklin
4. EJ Velocity
5. Brandon King
6. Jojo Domann (UDFA)
7. Sterling Weatherford (UDFA)

Seven linebackers is perhaps extreme. I get that. If and when the Colts add one other security, Weatherford would doubtless be the corresponding lower right here. Nevertheless, Domann and Weatherford each had robust sufficient spring showings that it is perhaps sufficient to assist them make the roster in particular groups roles. Weatherford might even add extra assist as a SAM backer or a security field.

Notable Cuts: N / A

Cornerback (6)

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1. Stephon Gilmore
2. Kenny Moore II
3. Isaiah Rodgers
4. Brandon Facyson
5. Anthony Chesley
6. Tony Brown

We nonetheless don’t know what the end result might be for Moore and his potential holdout at coaching camp. The ultimate two spots within the room are fully up for grabs. Chesley noticed some run with the Colts late final season whereas Brown provides some severe pace to the secondary. Seventh-round decide Rodney Thomas II is intriguing however in all probability wants growth on the apply squad.

Notable Cuts: Rodney Thomas IIMarvel Inform III, Marcel Dabo, Dallis Flowers (UDFA)

Security (4)

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1. Julian Blackmon
2. Nick Cross
3. Rodney McLeod
4. Armani Watts

The shock retirement of Khari Willis throws a wrench in the entire secondary. It is doubtless the Colts might want to add one other security if Watts goes to play solely on particular groups as George Odum did. Cross is ready within the wings because the beginning robust security, but it surely’s troublesome to see the Colts trusting Brandon King or Sterling Weatherford as an everyday security on the energetic roster.

Notable Cuts: Trevor Denbow (UDFA)

Specialists (3)

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1. Rigoberto Sanchez
2. Rodrigo Blankenship
3. Luke Rhodes

Nothing to see right here actually. Sanchez and Rhodes are locked in. Blankenship is main the kicker battle with Jake Verity, however he ought to win that job because the incumbent starter.

Notable Cuts: Jake Verity

Overview

Offense (24)

Protection (26)

Specialists (3)

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