The Indianapolis Colts will carry their 90-man roster into coaching camp at Westfield in lower than two weeks, working to chop the group all the way down to 53 gamers earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season.
Whereas there are a number of spots already locked up heading into coaching camp, there are a selection of roster spots on the 53-man which are up for grabs. However simply what number of spots are we speaking about?
On this enjoyable little diddy of an train, we’re going to look at which gamers are locks at every place and what number of spots are prone to be up for grabs.
As a result of we don’t know the precise variety of gamers the Colts will preserve at every place, this isn’t a precise science. They may wind up retaining extra operating backs than we anticipate. They may preserve fewer linebackers. At this level, it’s an informed guess.
Right here’s a better have a look at the roster locks and the roster spots nonetheless accessible because the Colts strategy coaching camp in 2022:
Quarterback
AP Picture/Darron Cummings
Roster Locks (2): Matt Ryan, Nick Foles
Spots Out there: Zero
With Ryan and Foles main the quarterback room, there appears no level in burning a roster spot for Sam Ehlinger. Positive, it could be dangerous to place him by way of waivers on the apply squad, however depth will probably be wanted elsewhere so it’s extremely unlikely they are going to carry three quarterbacks.
Operating Again
Roster Locks (2): Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines
Spots Out there: One, perhaps two
This place goes to be considerably of a wild card. Taylor and Hines are locked in, and there are 5 operating backs vying for the ultimate spot(s) within the room. The Colts saved 4 spots in 2021 however Marlon Mack was a wholesome scratch on sport days. Phillip Lindsay leads the competitors however his lack of particular groups work might power the Colts to maintain one other again like Deon Jackson or one of many undrafted rookies on the roster.
Broad Receiver
Roster Locks (4): Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, Ashton Dulin
Spots Out there: Two
The Colts must preserve six huge receivers on the energetic roster. Behind Pittman Jr., three gamers are locked to make the roster however are nonetheless trying to show themselves on the sector. The ultimate two spots within the room are going to return all the way down to upside and particular groups contribution. It is going to be a fiery competitors for these remaining two spots, particularly if the Colts wind up including a veteran to the place throughout camp.
Tight Finish
Roster Locks (3): Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods
Spots Out there: One
There actually is just one participant vying for that remaining roster spot. Sixth-round choose Andrew Ogletree might very nicely power the Colts into retaining 4 tight ends on the energetic roster. They may most likely get away with simply three, however they actually like Ogletree’s potential. In the event that they wind up retaining all 4 tight ends, one other place like operating again and even offensive line must sacrifice a spot.
Offensive Line
Roster Locks (6): Matt Pryor, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, Braden Smith, Bernhard Raimann
Spots Out there: Three, perhaps 4
The Colts at all times discuss retaining 10 offensive linemen, nevertheless it’s doubtless they go along with 9. The flexibility of the six locked-in gamers is probably going sturdy sufficient to solely preserve 9. Whereas swing sort out Dennis Kelly wasn’t listed as a lock, he has a superb likelihood of constructing the roster. So does undrafted rookie Ryan Van Demark, who acquired a $175,000 signing bonus following the draft. The ultimate one or two spots will doubtless come all the way down to Jason Spriggs and Will Fries.
Defensive Line
Roster Locks (5): Yannick Ngakoue, Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Dayo Odeyingbo
Spots Out there: 4
The beginning 4 plus Odeyingbo are locked in and can doubtless see essentially the most taking part in time. Tyquan Lewis ought to make the roster, nevertheless it’s doubtless he begins the season on the PUP record. We’ll have extra info on that when coaching camp arrives. Retaining 9 defensive linemen is typical for the Colts even when they would favor to maintain 10. There will probably be a large competitors for the ultimate two spots on the sting and the ultimate two spots on the inside.
Linebacker
Roster Locks (4): Darius Leonard, Bobby Okereke, Zaire Franklin, E.J. Velocity
Spots Out there: Two
Some may argue whether or not Velocity is a lock, however he’s within the remaining 12 months of his rookie deal. That is the time to see if the funding can repay. Plus, with Leonard’s damage, Velocity is the beginning WILL backer. The ultimate two spots are doubtless coming down to 3 gamers: veteran Brandon King and undrafted rookies Jojo Domann and Sterling Weatherford. The latter two supply extra upside on the defensive facet of the ball whereas King has been a particular groups staple all through his profession.
Cornerback
Roster Locks (4): Kenny Moore II, Stephon Gilmore, Isaiah Rodgers, Brandon Facyson
Spots Out there: Two
Retaining six cornerbacks is a necessity for the Colts, and it ought to make for a full of life competitors. Even with Moore’s ambiguous standing attributable to a contract dispute, the ultimate two spots will probably be up for grabs. It could possibly be anybody’s guess who makes the roster right here. Among the many gamers competing embody Tony Brown, Marvell Inform III, Anthony Chesley, Chris Wilcox and two rookies in seventh-round choose Rodney Thomas II and the undrafted Dallis Flowers. It actually could possibly be any mixture of these gamers.
Security
Roster Locks (4): Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Rodney McLeod, Armani Watts
Spots Out there: Zero
We are saying zero spots can be found as a result of the one different security on the roster is the undrafted Trevor Denbow, and it’s unlikely he makes the roster. Going into the season with simply 4 safeties is fairly dangerous, particularly contemplating Watts is prone to see largely particular groups work. Blackmon seems prepared for coaching camp, however the Colts are prone to take it sluggish with him to make sure his availability in Week 1. It wouldn’t be a shock if a veteran was added to this group.
Specialists
Roster Locks (2): Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Spots Out there: One
Ought to Rodrigo Blankenship be a lock? Perhaps. It’s extremely doubtless he’s the one which wins the kicking competitors. However the locks are reserved for gamers now we have little question will make the roster. There’s a non-zero likelihood Jake Verity wins the job in order that spot is technically up for grabs.
Roster Breakdown
Roster Locks: 36
Spots Out there: 17
This was a comparatively conservative estimate. Some gamers might have a greater likelihood at making the roster than we predict. We additionally don’t know the precise variety of gamers that will probably be saved at every place, and that might affect the train. Regardless, there are a selection of roster spots up for grabs even when the vast majority of beginning roles are already locked down. Discovering depth on the defensive facet of the ball goes to be vital whereas the ultimate roster spots on the talent positions will probably be among the many prime competitions to look at.