The Indianapolis Colts concluded coaching camp Thursday with a light-weight follow on the Grand Park Sports activities Campus in Westfield, their sixteenth follow because the graduation of coaching camp in late July.
With the common season proper across the nook, the Colts nonetheless have the preseason finale in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
However with coaching camp formally over, listed below are the largest takeaways:
1
Matt Ryan’s arrival
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The Colts shall be trotting out their fifth beginning quarterback in as a few years and so far as the brand new arrival is anxious, the veteran has been checking all of the bins. From his management within the huddle to his accuracy in establishing his receivers for yards after the catch, all has been properly in getting Ryan to mesh with the group.
2
Sam Ehlinger impressing
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Whether or not the Colts will really maintain three quarterbacks on the lively roster stays to be seen, however Ehlinger has been doing every little thing he can to make that call tough for normal supervisor Chris Ballard. The second-year signal-caller has been pristine via two preseason video games finishing 19-of-22 passes (86.4%) for 224 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s additionally added 5 carries for 26 dashing yards.
3
Working again competitors
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We all know the Colts are going to roll with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines as main influence gamers within the offense, however they nonetheless must spherical out the room. On the finish of coaching camp, it seems Phillip Lindsay has an inside monitor for the RB3 function whereas Ty’Son Williams, Deon Jackson and D’vonte Worth battle it out for the RB4 spot.
4
Who has emerged at WR?
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The highest 4 spots within the vast receiver room are locked in, particularly with how properly Ashton Dulin has been enjoying as a receiver. His massive contribution will come on particular groups, however he has been a powerful participant on offense. Rounding out the vast receiver room is tough to undertaking, however Dezmon Patmon and Mike Strachan each created some separation within the competitors with robust outings within the second preseason recreation in opposition to the Detroit Lions. One other participant to keep watch over is Keke Coutee, although he hasn’t practiced or performed since injuring his groin within the preseason opener in opposition to the Buffalo Payments.
5
Matt Pryor is the clear beginning LT
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Actually from the beginning of the spring practices, Pryor has been the man at left sort out. The Colts drafted Bernhard Raimann within the third spherical and nonetheless imagine he could be the long-term reply on the blindside, however Pryor goes into the beginning of the common season because the clear-cut starter.
6
RT depth considerations
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The Colts have some critical query marks at proper sort out behind starter Braden Smith. The concept is to have veteran Dennis Kelly maintain that function, however he’s been out with a knee damage because the begin of camp. If that damage lingers or retains Kelly from being absolutely able to enjoying himself, the Colts might discover it tough to depend on gamers like Ryan Van Demark and Jordan Murray, two younger gamers who’ve struggled throughout the preseason.
7
DT depth
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One other space of gentle concern surrounding the depth of the roster is at defensive sort out behind Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. The rookies in Eric Johnson and Curtis Brooks have had some flashes right here and there, nevertheless it hasn’t been sufficient to have full confidence they will maintain a significant rotational function early on. Moreover, Chris Williams has missed nearly all of coaching camp attributable to an undisclosed decrease leg damage. That is an space which will come again to hang-out the Colts if the depth doesn’t shore up throughout the season.
8
UDFA LBs grabbing spots?
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The Colts have a quartet of undrafted rookie free agent linebackers who all have an argument to make the roster. Jojo Domann and Sterling Weatherford seemingly have the perfect instances to make the preliminary 53-man roster given their upside as defensive gamers and their potential on particular groups. In the meantime, Forrest Rhyne and James Skalski have flashed on particular groups as properly. Don’t be stunned if two of those undrafted rookies make the preliminary roster.
9
Gilly Lock
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Anybody who believed Stephon Gilmore was washed might must rethink that notion. The veteran cornerback and former Defensive Participant of the Yr has been nothing however excellent in Gus Bradley’s protection. There have been few moments that includes Gilmore dropping a battle, and it’s clear the Colts ought to have a robust tandem at cornerback with Kenny Moore II there as properly.
10
Nick Cross impressing
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We might look again on the 2022 NFL draft and surprise how Cross fell to the third spherical. The rookie security, who isn’t even 21 years previous but, has been a powerful participant for the Colts all through coaching camp and their two preseason video games up to now. He’s battling for the beginning function with veteran Rodney McLeod, however the rookie has all the instruments to be a star within the NFL.
