Defensive Line: Samson Ebukam
There are a lot of borderline players here, but Ebukam stands out as the one that must make an impression in offseason camps. A couple of reasons really stand out. First, he is coming off an Achilles injury that sidelined him all last season. Second, if the Colts were to cut loose a veteran after training camp, Ebukam would make the most financial sense for the team.
Ebukam is in contract year, and would have a small cap hit if he was cut. The cap savings would be greater than $7 million, with no penalty next season. The franchise addressed the edge position in the draft and could address again with another player... say, from Cincinnati?
Linebacker: Cameron McGrone
A position of need that just needs capable bodies, but McGrone could be the odd man out if Zaire Franklin heals up in time for the season. The Colts signed former Bengals LB Joe Bachie to help with depth behind Franklin, but Carlies is young and unproven. Reserve LB Segun Olubi can fill in, but has never been a full-time starter.
With a new, less dependent, linebacker scheme arriving with Lou Anarumo, the need for McGrone has lessened. Wisconsin hybrid linebacker Hunter Wohler was drafted to provide depth and play special teams. McGrone can play in the NFL, but the impending roster gymnastics will make it difficult for him to make the team.
Cornerback: JuJu Brents
This might come as a surprise to some fans, but I truly believe it’s JuJu Brents, and not Corey Ballentine, that will fight for this final cornerback roster spot. To clarify, I think it will be a three-man race for two spots between Brents, Ballentine, and Samuel Womack. Ballentine brings a strong special teams dynamic to the roster. Womack was signed to play in the spot for JuJu Brents early in the season.
Brents did not see playing time because he suffered another injury that sidelined him nearly the entire season. He also missed time during rookie campaign as well. As the old saying goes, “The best ability is availability.” With Brents seeing minimal time on the field and a new coordinator, he could be the odd man out as training camp approaches.
Safety: Rodney Thomas II
It’s becoming redundant, but this is another position of such need that I believe Rodney Thomas is safe - but the front office staff did sign some undrafted safeties the past couple of weeks. The starting spots are accounted for with the new acquisition Cam Bynum and returning starter Nick Cross. Look for Daniel Scott to hopefully return this season after missing his last two with leg injuries. Scott was drafted for his special teams ability, and since he has not played a single snap, we have no idea what to expect.
Rodney Thomas has regressed since his rookie season, and fallen on the depth chart. He has played every game and stayed healthy. His numbers in tackles decreased each season, and he seemed to struggle last season with all around awareness. With Ballard certainly looking to bring in new competition before camp, and if any of these undrafted players show any type of promise, then Thomas would make the most sense from a business standpoint to move on from.