Colts Post Mini Camp 53 Man Roster Predictions

Kurt Breidenstein

802 days ago

With minicamp completed, we can produce our first edition of the 53-man roster prediction for the Indianapolis Colts. This will be ever changing with signings and cuts but here is the first draft of the potential Week 1 roster.

I've been told that the #Colts rookie class has impressed many so far through rookie minicamp and OTA's.

Along with 1st Round Pick Anthony Richardson turning heads a couple standouts have been 5th Round Pick CB Darius Rush and UDFA WR/RB Zavier Scott. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/yw7QNowMyU

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) June 12, 2023

Quarterback (2)

Roster Locks: Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew
Practice Squad: Sam Ehlinger
Cuts: None

The new rule allowing a third emergency QB could pull Ehlinger onto the sidelines every week, but the real question is who will be the starter week one? Richardson’s growth will be the key storyline for training camp starting next month.

Running Back (3)

Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, Evan Hull
Practice Squad: Jake Funk, Deon Jackson
Cuts: None

This was a difficult choice but with the trade of Nyheim Hines last season at the deadline, they need to have a change of pace back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. That’s exactly what new draft pick Evan Hull brings to the table. Funk and Jackson give insurance to the position but if Jackson is put on the practice squad, he could easily be picked up with another team quickly.

Wide Receiver (7)

Roster Locks: Micheal Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Isaiah McKenzie, Ashton Dulin, Micheal Strachan, Breshad Perriman
Practice Squad Potential: Vyncint Smith, Ethan Fernea
Cuts: Zavier Scott, Johnny King, Kody Case

Might be one too many here but I think we see Ashton Dulin continue his main role on the team. Late offseason addition Perriman makes the team, but Strachan makes the team as he is too much talent to leave on the practice squad, but he might be #53 on the roster.

Tight End (3)

Roster Locks: Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Practice Squad: Kaden Smith
Cuts: Mo Alie-Cox, Pharoh Brown

A talented room that might need to shrink. Mallory has not participated in the offseason program due to injury, but I think he will make the team. Hard to carry 5 tight ends in the season. Look for Ballard to seek a trade with Mo Alie Cox or he might be cut for salary and the youth movement after Mallory is healthy.

Offensive Line (9)

Roster Locks: Bernard Raimann, Quentin Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Danny Pinter, Emil Ekiyor, Dakoda Shepley
Practice Squad: Wesley French, Jordan Murray, Jake Witt
Cuts: Matthew Vanderslice, Arlington Hambright, Carter O’ Donnell

Ballard mentioned in the offseason about increasing competition. We will see two distinct position battles in training camp. Freeland vs Raimann at left tackle and Fries vs Pinter/Ekiyor at right guard. I think Raimann and Fries win the battles. Pinter stays as a swing guard that can play center as well. French and Shepley will be the battle for the back up Center as well. I think Shepley’s experience wins out.

Defensive Line (10)

Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odenigbo, Taquan Lewis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Genard Avery, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson
Practice Squad: Titus Leo, Khalid Kareem, Jamal Woods
Cuts: McTelvin Agim, Rashod Berry, Caleb Simpson

Ballard loves to have a plethora of lineman on both sides of the ball. With the addition of Avery late in the offseason puts 2022 a couple names back on the bubble. 2023 draft pick Titus Leo makes the practice squad along with last season’s late addition Khalid Kareem. 2022 draft pick Eric Johnson will be on the bubble heading into training camp.

Linebackers (6)

Roster Locks: Zaire Franklin, Shaquille Leonard, EJ Speed, Grant Stuard, JoJo Domann, Cameron McGrone
Practice Squad: Segun Olubi
Cuts: Liam Anderson, Donovan Mutin

It’s important to have depth at this position until we know the full status of Leonard for the upcoming season. But with the recent injury history of Leonard, must roll with six LBs this upcoming season. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Colts add another veteran name in this room before, during or after training camp.

Cornerbacks (6)

Roster Locks: Julius Brents, Tony Brown, Kenny Moore II, Darius Rush, Dallis Flowers, Jaylon Jones
Practice Squad: Darrell Baker Jr
Cuts: Kevin Tolliver II, Cole Coleman, Isaiah Rodgers Sr

Youth. Youth. And more youth for the defensive back room this season. With the impending suspension (and possible end of NFL career) for Isaiah Rodgers due to a gambling infraction, the Colts might need to bring in a veteran. The Colts will need to decide if they stay young and learn from the mistakes or grab a veteran to keep us in the conversation of relevancy.

Safety (4)

Roster Locks: Rodney Thomas II, Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Trevor Denbow
Practice Squad: Marcel Dabo, Henry Black
Cuts: Micheal Tutsie, Aaron Maddox

The mini-camp injury of rookie Daniel Scott with a torn ACL will loom for the Colts this upcoming season. Could they bring in another veteran guy or could they rely on rookie DB Jaylon Jones to fill in with some safety work? I think Jones is the way to go and let Denbow cover the special teams loss of Scott.

Specialists (3)

Roster Locks: Matt Gay, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Practice Squad: None
Cuts: Lucas Havrisik

Welcome back Rigoberto Sanchez! He will return from his torn achillies and Matt Haack has moved on. Matt Gay signed a long term deal this offseason and he is expected to keep his job. Havrisik will have an opportunity to audition for other teams as Matt Gay is locked in as the starter for years to come.