Indianapolis Colts 2015 Season Preview
By Evan Reller
Aug 2, 2015; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) catches a pass during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Draft and Rookie Roundup
Colts Selections (that made final roster)
WR Phillip Dorsett – 1st Round
CB D’Joun Smith – 3rd Round
DT Henry Anderson – 3rd Round
S Clayton Geathers – 4th Round
NT David Parry – 5th Round
OG Robert Myers – 5th Round Pick by Ravens (claimed off waivers)
RB Josh Robinson – 6th Round
OT Denzelle Good – 7th Round
(Colts 6th round pick Amarlo Herrera was signed to the practice squad)
Undrafted Free Agents
RB Tyler Varga
DT T.Y. McGill (claimed off waivers from Seahawks)
If the Colts official depth chart is to be believed, the team will be starting two rookies on the defensive line (Anderson and Parry). Dorsett will be returning punts and Geathers has been used in special nickel and dime packages as a linebacker.
The biggest issue with the draft was that the Colts took Dorsett over a defender (say, someone along the line). In reality, Dorsett has a higher chance of making an impact this season than any defensive lineman. The player that many wanted the Colts to take, Texas DT Malcom Brown, has had a rough preseason as he adjusts to the NFL (compared with great showings by the Colts rookies).
With injuries to the running back stable, Robinson will likely be backing up Gore and had some impressive run during preseason games and should be fully healed from a concussion he suffered going after a botched handoff. Varga also impressed with a few tough runs and likely made the roster due to injuries to Dan Herron.
There is a lot of talent in this draft class, but if these players don’t pan out it will be a huge indictment on Ryan Grigson as a manager and his (and his staff’s) ability to evaluate talent. The Colts can’t keep dipping into free agency to shore up the team’s deficiencies, especially not after Luck signs his next contract. The Colts are going to have to start building through the draft sooner than you’d think.
Next: A Dynamic Offense