Colts Final 53-Man Roster Projection

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Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Tra Carson (39) carries the ball as he is tackled by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Curt Maggitt (92) in the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker: Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, Trent Cole, Earl Okine, Curt Maggitt

Released: OLB’s Trevor Bates, Ron Thompson

Overview: Veterans Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, and Trent Cole can be safely penciled onto the Colts roster as starters or at least key rotational linebackers.

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Earl Okine (95) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Behind them, it appears to be a 4-horse race between Earl Okine, Curt Maggitt, Trevor Bates, and Ron Thompson Jr.; all of whom have shown at least some pass rushing flashes this preseason.

However, if we’re going off entirely preseason production–and not just draft pedigree (in Bates’ case), Okine, and Maggitt have consistently stood out the most of this group during preseason in my opinion.

They’re the most deserving to make the 53-man roster, while Bates and Thompson could easily be re-signed to the practice squad as young developmental pass rushers.

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