It’s little doubt that the Indianapolis Colts and common supervisor Chris Ballard crammed many areas of weak point throughout free company and the 2022 NFL draft.
Addressing the broad receiver, tight finish and deal with positions had been large for the group to take the subsequent step in a really crowded AFC. With the brand new arrivals, nonetheless, it places many gamers on the recent seat and will end in some even dropping their jobs by the point the group travels to Houston for the season opener in September.
Each group wants depth, and the Colts are nonetheless including key items that can assist them in case of an harm. Nevertheless, the NFL is a enterprise, and the 53 gamers on the roster would be the ones making a distinction on Sundays.
Right here’s an inventory of gamers most in jeopardy of dropping their spots this offseason:
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Dulin has emerged because the go-to man for the Colts in recent times. This speedy receiver has crammed in when this group has been riddled with accidents and has supplied some much-needed manufacturing. His most vital contribution, although, comes on particular groups. He has crammed in as a returner and has been basic in solidifying the Colts’ punt and kickoff models.
Dulin nonetheless at the moment sits at WR No. 4 on the Colts’ depth chart. Whereas his deep presence might be helpful, the Colts can have Parris Campbell again. Mix that with the rookie Alec Pierce and the Colts have their choose of gamers to throw to down the sphere. This might go away Dulin on the chopping block by way of a giant function.
Isaiah Rodgers will doubtless be the Colts major kick returner, with Nyheim Hines reprising his function as punt returner. Although his roster spot is probably going protected given his contributions on particular groups, he definitely may discover himself additional down on the depth chart now.
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Banogu’s time in Indy has been underwhelming since he was drafted in 2019. He has solely recorded 2.5 sacks in his profession and fewer than 20 whole tackles. Edge rusher was an enormous want for the Colts this offseason, and with the arrival of Yannick Ngakoue through commerce, the sting rusher room is getting a bit crowded.
There might be further items the Colts choose up and develop this low season, particularly on protection. With that, we may see some turnover on that aspect of the ball with new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley bringing in gamers that higher match his scheme.
It is a huge season for Banogu as a result of he’s going right into a contract yr and with the brand new additions, he’ll want a powerful displaying at coaching camp.
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An enormous place of want this offseason was cornerback, and with the signing of Stephon Gilmore, the place is trying very robust going into the 2022 season. Inform is one other participant who has been underwhelming and by no means discovered the best match on this gifted Colts protection. In his rookie yr in 2019, Inform had a minimal function on the Colts protection with 26 whole tackles and a compelled fumble.
Presently the fourth nook on Indy’s depth chart, it will likely be powerful for Inform to crack the 53-man roster. He’ll doubtless be placed on the apply squad, the place he spent all of 2021. The one possibility for Inform could be to attempt to lock up a job on particular groups and turn out to be a deeper possibility on the cornerback place. In any other case, he may very properly be reduce.
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After changing into a fan favourite in 2020, Blankenship must bounce again in a giant strategy to maintain his job because the group’s placekicker. 2021 was stuffed with accidents and struggles for “Sizzling-Rod”, which led to him lacking nearly all of the season.
Michael Badgley was very spectacular filling in for Blankenship, going 85% on subject targets and nailing all of his further factors. If the Colts select to, they may reduce Blankenship and produce again Badgley. Or they may roll with Jake Verity, who signed a deal this offseason.
Whereas I don’t see the group doing this, if Rodrigo’s harm does influence his efficiency, we may see another person kicking the pigskin this yr.
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The potential is there. Patmon has been stranded on the apply squad for almost all of the final three seasons, with no alternatives to interrupt out and crack the Colts roster as a routine participant. The best second of his younger profession got here on Christmas Day when he caught a miraculous landing move from Carson Wentz to seal the sport for Indy. Nevertheless, that seize was one among two catches Patmon has had in his whole profession.
Just like Dulin, Patmon could not have the expertise and big-play capabilities to make this group for the opener at Houston. To not point out, the Colts may herald one other veteran receiver like T.Y. Hilton or Julio Jones to beef up this younger receiving corps. If that occurs, we may see some gamers who’ve been ready for a possibility, see that probability come and go.
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Whereas Jackson doesn’t at the moment maintain a large function within the offense, he’s the group’s RB3 proper now behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. He may nonetheless maintain that function come Week 1, however there may be lots extra competitors to fend off.
The Colts signed three working backs following the draft within the type of Max Borghi, D’Vonte Worth and C.J. Verdell. All of them deliver completely different kinds and ranges of athleticism to the desk so this shall be a enjoyable competitors to regulate.
AP Picture/Matt Patterson
Whereas Pryor continues to be prone to get the primary crack at successful the beginning left deal with job, he can have some stiff competitors. Not solely did the Colts choose a high-upside prospect in Bernhard Raimann through the third spherical of the draft, however additionally they signed veteran swing deal with Dennis Kelly.
It’s not going that Pryor could be reduce from the roster if he loses the competitors. His place flexibility could also be too worthwhile to take action. However there may be definitely an opportunity he loses his probability at beginning by Week 1.