The biggest surprises and takeaways from Colts initial 53-man roster

Cornerback (6)

Roster: Dallis Flowers, Kenny Moore II, Darrell Baker Jr., JuJu Brents, Tony Brown, Jaylon Jones
Cuts: Kevin Tolliver, Issac-Taylor Stuart, Darius Rush

The first surprise cut on the roster was here, with fifth-round pick Darius Rush not making the team. Both Brown and Jones can play on special teams. Rush did deal with injury this preseason and if we are being honest, Jaylon Jones outplayed both him and Brents from day one of the offseason. If Rush can make it through waivers, one would think that Ballard and the organization would want to keep developing him.

Safety (4)

Roster: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Trevor Denbow
Cuts: Teez Tabor, Marcel Dabo (IPP), Henry Black, Ronnie Harrison

This unit seems to be solidified with the playing time we saw in the preseason games. Nick Cross can play both safety spots, so this gives them versatility in the secondary. Denbow grabs the final spot amongst the safeties, and he will be expected to play on special teams again this season. Marcel Dabo can return to the Colts practice squad under the International Pathway Program and he won’t count against the final numbers.

Specialists (3)

Roster: Matt Gay (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P), Luke Rhodes (LS)
Cuts: Lucas Havrisik

Not a whole lot of analysis is needed here, all three are proven commodities at their respective positions. Matt Gay is the newcomer at kicker and Sanchez returns to punting duties after missing last season with an Achillies injury.

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