The Indianapolis Colts offseason program has concluded, with lots of news coming out of it. We heard from the new ownership of the Irsay daughters, and we also got some early look at impending training camp battles. The franchise got perfect attendance with ZERO contract hold-outs and/or hold-ins. That was arguably the best news of the week. Some bad news came with the status of Anthony Richardson, as he was held out (again) from minicamp. Let’s dive into some news and thoughts on minicamp, and give another 53-man roster prediction.
*Rookies in Italics*
Quarterback (3)
Roster Locks- Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
Roster Cuts- Jason Bean
Without question, the biggest news to drop from head coach Shane Steichen was the unexpected injury news with Anthony Richardson. In his rookie season, he suffered a season-ending AC joint injury on his throwing shoulder. After OTA’s, Richardson notified the team that he was dealing with some soreness in that surgically-repaired shoulder, and was told to rest and get a second opinion.
Anytime you hear “second opinion,” the worst-case scenario is always considered. Richardson has not proven he can stay healthy. Until he does, then yes, this is a potential disaster brewing. With the absence of Richardson, we saw Daniel Jones get all the first-team reps. Reports from the media were that he looked good and competent.
With Jones taking all the first team reps, he is now in the driver’s seat to start Week 1. As they always say, ”The best ability is availability.” Now, that phrase is not in Anthony Richardson’s vocabulary.
Running Back (3)
Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens
Roster Cuts: Salvon Ahmed, Tyler Goodson, Ulysses Bentley IV
Not much change here from the last roster prediction, but maybe some clarity. The early mentions on DJ Giddens have been terrific. The early predictions of him being a “steal” in the draft seem to be on point. Giddens showed his talent, and might give some challenge to Khalil Herbert for the RB2 position. I don’t think the others have much of a chance at the final roster, as the Colts rarely keep four RBs.
Wide Receiver (6)
Roster Locks: Micheal Pittman Jr, Alex Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
Roster Cuts: DJ Montgomery, Laquon Treadwell, Landon Parker, Blane Taylor, Ajou Ajou, Tyler Kahmann, Coleman Owen
No change in the department, as the final two spots will continue to be based on the needs of special teams. Ashton Dulin is one the best gunners in the league, and will we finally see the team completely hand over the return duties to Anthony Gould? Last season, it was mostly Josh Downs, but I cannot imagine they want to subject him to further injury by using him in the special teams this season.
The early returns so far this summer seem to show some maturation of AD Mitchell progressing. I know everyone read that he looked great in OTAs and minicamp, but again, it's June, and there are no pads. Let’s see how training camp goes - but hopefully, this will his breakout season.
Offensive Line
Roster Locks (9): Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Danny Pinter, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, Jalen Travis
Roster Cuts: Wesley French, Luke Tenuta, Jack Wilson, Blake Freeland, Marshall Foerner, Mose Vavao
We finally got the confirmation we were all suspecting for this offensive line. The Colts will be moving Matt Goncalves to right guard. Coach Sparano confirmed this, and he was taking all the first team reps at the position. The rest of last season’s starters will return, but we did see veteran Danny Pinter splitting first-team reps with 2nd year center Tanor Bortolini. Not entirely surprising, but I still think it is Bortolini’s job to lose.
The only change on the roster is moving Josh Sills onto the team, and moving Wesley French out. French seems to be a one-trick pony, only being able to play center. With the center battle between Pinter and Bortolini, it would appear to push French out. Sills can play either side of the interior line, and he will likely be battling with Dalton Tucker and Blake Freeland for the final spot on the offensive line.
Tight End (4)
Roster Locks: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Roster Cuts: Jelani Woods, Sean McKeon, Albert Okwuegbunam, Maximilian Mang
The early reviews from camps are out on Tyler Warren, and they have been spectacular. He seems to be as advertised and will, without question, be the starting #1 tight end to the start of the season. It appears he will share that starting role with veteran Mo Alie-Cox. Drew Ogletree has been out with a soft tissue injury, and we saw some action from Will Mallory that was positive. Jelani Woods was practicing, but until I see him have good practice production in chunks, he cannot be put on this roster yet.
This room cannot have five players on the roster, four more than likely with three on game day. Maximilian Mang was added to the roster as the International Exempt Player, and will likely get some space on the practice squad.
Defensive Line (10)
Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Laiatu Latu, Tyquan Lewis, Samson Ebukam, JT Tuimoloau, Neville Gallimore, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith
Roster Cuts: Eric Johnson II, Isaiah Land, Durell Nchami, Devonta Davis, Desmond Little
No changes on the roster prediction here, but the Colts did release UDFA Joe Evans when they signed center Mose Vavao in May. The Colts did claim off waivers former draft pick Eric Johnson II from New England. He was originally drafted by the Colts in 2022, and never carved out a role. I could see him making the practice squad this season, as this room is deep with guys all looking for opportunities. One small wrinkle to keep an eye on: rookie JT Tuimoloau has not signed his rookie contract yet. While he is still participating and involved in all offseason work, he is looking to receive a fully guaranteed contract.
Linebacker (5)
Roster Locks: Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bachie
Roster Cuts: Jacob Phillips, Austin Ajaike, Liam Anderson, Solomon DeShields
Hard to get a true read on this room so far. Franklin is recovering from his injury, and Carlies is still out after shoulder surgery. We saw some action in minicamp, mostly from Cameron McGrone and Segun Olubi. Until we see what the scheme is truly going to look like this season, we must assume these five players to make the roster will be the ones that will be relied upon.
The Bengals released linebacker Germaine Pratt, and the Colts did not sign him, as he signed with Las Vegas. While Colts fans are disappointed, it does show their confidence in the players on the roster. One player to keep an eye on would be Solomon DeShields, as he seemed to be the standout in the room during this cycle of offseason camps.
Cornerback (6)
Roster Locks: Charvarius Ward, Jaylon Jones, Kenny Moore II, Justin Walley, Samuel Womack, Corey Ballentine
Roster Cuts: JuJu Brents, David Long Jr, Alex Johnson, Jonathan Edwards
The second most important story out of minicamp was the impression left by Justin Walley on the team and coaching staff. He impressed on the field, and in the coaching staff’s eyes. He was taking first-team reps, with Jaylon Jones sitting out minicamp with a minor injury - a great opportunity for him to get some needed reps. To no one’s surprise, JuJu Brents reportedly missed time in minicamp with a groin injury, as he continues to disappoint the fan base. I am rooting for him, and wanted us to draft him, but he just cannot stay healthy. He will need to have a strong training camp if he wants any chance of making this squad come August.
Safety (4)
Roster Locks: Camryn Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Nick Cross, Hunter Wohler
Roster Cuts: Daniel Scott, Trey Washington, Ladarius Tennison
We are seeing some potential changes in this room for the upcoming season. The depth is thin, but the options could go differently than we think. Rookie Hunter Wohler looks to be a capable defensive player, but where he shakes out is unknown right now. Reports are he is working with the secondary, but has also taken snaps at linebacker. He seems to be a “joker” for this team on the defensive side of the ball, and might be too talented to try to slip onto the practice squad. UDFA Trey Washington has impressed as well, so he might be vying for a spot with Daniel Scott as well. Like Jelani Woods, until Scott can show some meaningful practice time, he cannot be on this roster.
Special Teams (3)
Roster Locks: Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Roster Cuts: Maddux Trujilo
While it looked like it was going to be Shrader’s job after the Colts released Matt Gay, we were wrong. There is definite competition between Shrader and UDFA Trujilo. They both split the kicking duties at minicamp, and they both looked good. Both made all the kicks during the kicks that the media saw. Ballard promised competition, and this will be headed in that direction.