Projecting the Colts initial 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season

Now that the preseason is over, here’s a projection of what the Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster will look like by Tuesday, the NFL’s cut day.

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Projecting Colts defensive roster

Defensive End (5)

Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Al-Quadin Muhammed
Practice Squad: Titus Leo
Cuts: Khalid Kareem

This is a little light, but I think we could seem some more depth come in post 53-man roster cuts next week. Kareem could easily be kept on the practice squad as well. Leo has had a good camp, but he is still raw and needs more development. Genard Avery went on IR last week, so great opportunities for Lewis to come back from injury and Odeyingbo to try to showcase himself before his contract is up at the end of the season.

Interior Defensive Line (5)

Roster Locks: DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson II, Adetomiwa Adebawore
Practice Squad: None
Cuts: McTelvin Agim, Caleb Sampson

Indy’s two elite defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart return to anchor the interior of the defense. While none on the current roster is likely to make the practice squad, Ballard values this position and will most likely find some players to get on the practice squad post cuts. Odeyingbo can play the interior if needed, so this can give them an extra body as well.

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