Before the Colts’ first preseason game, here is an updated 53-man roster prediction given what we’ve learned in training camp up to this point.
The Indianapolis Colts are now nine training camp practices in as their first joint practice and preseason game with the Baltimore Ravens nears.
With what we’ve learned over almost two weeks of practices, let’s put together a new 53-man roster prediction given what we know now.
Indianapolis Colts‘ 53-man roster prediction on offense
Quarterbacks (3): Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
Richardson and Jones are competing for the starting job, but when it comes to who makes the 53-man roster, we know what that looks like at this position.
Running backs (3): Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens
Taylor and Giddens will be on the team, as we know. That leaves Herbert and Tyler Goodson competing for the final roster spot. Considering that GM Chris Ballard said early in the offseason that more production was needed from the backup running back role, I think the Colts go in a different direction and keep Herbert over Goodson.
Wide receivers (6): Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
There’s no mystery when it comes to this position group. These six players will make up the Colts’ receiver room.
Tight ends (4): Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Will Mallory has put together a strong start to training camp. He can fill that receiving-first option at tight end for the Colts to be paired with Tyler Warren’s do-it-all presence during passing situations.
Offensive line (9): Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Dalton Tucker, Danny Pinter, Jalen Travis
Maybe the Colts go heavy here and keep a 10th offensive lineman. If they do, I imagine it would be an interior player with the inexperience at center and right guard. But based on what we’ve heard, I don’t know that Wesley French or Josh Sills have seized control of a roster spot up to this point.
Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster prediction on defense
Defensive line (10): DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Neville Gallimore, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, JT Tuimoloau, Tim Smith
The two left off here are Isaiah Land at defensive end and Eric Johnson at defensive tackle. Land has an uphill battle to make the team, while Ballard has spoken highly about what he’s seen from Neville Gallimore and Adetomiwa Adebawore.
Linebackers (5): Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bachie
Joe Bachie might be making a run for the starting linebacker spot next to Franklin, but as far as the 53-man roster shakes out, this seems to be the combination that will make up that unit. One name to watch is Austin Ajiake, who has been able to make some plays in camp. The abiltiy to contribute on special teams will be a must if he’s going to make a roster push.
Cornerback (6): Jaylon Jones, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack, Justin Walley
The Colts are dealing with injuries here with both Jones and Brents sidelined with hamstring injuries. The Colts did recently make some veteran additions, bringing in Duke Shelley and Tre Herndon. Perhaps one of them can make a roster push in the coming weeks, but for now, I’ll stick with this as my prediction.
Safeties (4): Nick Cross, Cam Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Hunter Wohler
The safety position seems pretty straightforward. The big question would be whether the Colts roster a fifth safety and who could emerge for that role.
Special teams (3): Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Shrader is competing with Maddux Trujillo, but seems to have a firm grasp on the competition at this point, given the field goal rates of the two kickers in training camp.
