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Early Colts 53-man roster prediction following the 2023 NFL Draft

By Justin Bauerle

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Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings / Adam Bettcher/GettyImages
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Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) and
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) and / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks (8)

• Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
• JuJu Brents (R)
• Kenny Moore II
• Dallis Flowers
• Darius Rush (R)
• Jaylon Jones (R)
• Kevin Toliver II
• Tony Brown

One of the largest rooms on the team, the Colts have depth for the first time in what seems like a while. After drafting three highly-touted rookies in the draft in JuJu Brents, Darius Rush, and Jaylon Jones, Indianapolis is making this position a priority. Many thought the Colts would go after former Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, but he eventually signed with the Baltimore Ravens after the draft.

JuJu is a hometown hero that was drafted to fit right into a Gus Bradley defense, making a statement in the draft during the second round. Paired opposite of Isaiah Rodgers Sr., this will be great for the Colts secondary.

The real question is whether Kenny Moore II can learn to play man-to-man as well as he plays a zone or not. Still lining up in the nickle, Kenny is one of the best in the league. He doesn't fit a typical Gus Bradley defense, so it's really up to Gus to find a way to utilize Kenny to his full potential.

Cut: Darrell Baker Jr., Cole Coleman (UDFA-R)

Safeties (4)

• Julian Blackmon
• Rodney Thomas II
• Nick Cross
• Marcel Dabo

In a year that Indy expected Nick Cross to step into the limelight and be the safety to replace Khari Willis at his young age, it was Rodney Thomas II that stepped up when needed the most. Rodney has deserved a starting role alongside Julian Blackmon in this defense. The two did really well together last year. His only real miss was a missed interception at the end of the Houston Texans game, but that helped the Colts more than it hurt them.

The missed interception led the Colts to the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which secured Anthony Richardson.

The secondary is young, but with this infusion of youth, their depth, and skill level, this could be a quick turnaround for a struggling unit.

Cut: Henry Black, Trevor Debnow, Aaron Maddox (UDFA-R), Daniel Scott (R)

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