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Indianapolis Colts' 2024 53-man roster predictions: post-minicamp update

With mandatory minicamp finished, it’s time to update the 53-man roster predictions.

By Kurt Breidenstein

Indianapolis Colts Rookie Minicamp
Indianapolis Colts Rookie Minicamp / Joe Robbins/GettyImages
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Offensive linemen (9)

  • Roster Locks: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Josh Sills, Matt Goncalves, Tanor Bortolini
  • Practice Squad: Jake Witt, Lewis Kidd
  • Cuts: Danny Pinter, Wesley French, Arlington Hambright, Dalton Tucker

We know how much emphasis the front office staff puts on the trenches, and the addition of two future starting linemen showed that the plan will continue. The drafting of Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini gave a peek to the future of this offensive line.

Ryan Kelly and Will Fries are both in contract years. Kelly is now 31 years old and missed some time last season with injury. Fries has been terrific and played nearly every down in 2023. Given the large contracts of Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith, this franchise cannot afford to keep Kelly going forward.

Starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann is due for a massive extension in 2025, and that could also force Braden Smith off the line as he does have a buyout reduction that kicks in next season. It appears Bortolini will succeed Kelly with Goncalves and second-year guard Blake Freeland setting up an early battle for the starting guard spot in 2025.

Defensive linemen (9)

  • Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore
  • Practice Squad: Titus Leo, Jonah Laulu
  • Cuts: Taven Bryan, Genard Avery, Eric Johnson II

General manager Chris Ballard surprised the entire fanbase when he selected UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu with the Colts' first-round pick.

The franchise did pick up the fifth-year option on Kwity Paye's contract along with another extension to rotational lineman Tyquan Lewis. Dayo Odeyingbo, coming off his best season yet, is expected to see some impactful playing time, as well.

As for the interior of the line, the Colts will return the standout duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. New addition Raekwon Davis should see rotational time this season, and 2023 fourth-round pick Adetomiwa Adebawore looks to have a bigger presence as the training camp roster will be crowded with some veterans hoping to bring added competition.

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