2024 Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster projection
After falling one win shy of the postseason in 2023, the Colts look to get back into the playoffs. And they’ll be doing it with largely the same starting lineup as a year ago, with the organization electing to re-sign a host of its own free agents. The Colts are betting on their own veteran players making additional jumps after another year playing together in the same system.
A big difference: The return of quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started just four games as a rookie last season because of injury.
Here is a 53-man roster projection as the Colts open training camp:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger
Richardson returns for Year 2 as the unquestioned starter, despite missing most of his rookie season. The hope is he stays healthy, but if not, the loss of Gardner Minshew, his backup a year ago, is softened by the ability to land Flacco after his late-season run in Cleveland last season.
RUNNING BACKS (3): Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
Taylor had a healthy offseason, which bodes well for the likelihood of him picking up where he left off in 2023 — with a 188-yard performance against the Texans. Behind him, questions abound. Veteran backup Zack Moss signed with the Bengals this offseason and it remains to be seen who will emerge as the go-to backup behind Taylor, who takes series off from time to time. Taylor’s durability has also been less of a certainty the past two seasons, so the depth here matters.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould
This is a unit that had been a concern for the Colts in recent years but has evolved into a much stronger group. The competition between Pierce and Mitchell, who have similarities in style and role, should reveal a lot about each player. Keeping six receivers is certainly on the high side, but Dulin and Gould have significant value on special teams, which justifies their spots.
TIGHT ENDS (4): Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory
At first glance, none of the names in this group are going to scare opponents. But the Colts are banking heavily on development from Woods, in particular, and Mallory to a lesser degree. A storyline to keep an eye on here is what the Colts do with Alie-Cox versus third-year player Drew Ogletree, as both have shown themselves to be dependable blockers but aren’t primary pass catchers. It could become an either-or situation for them.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith, Matt Goncalves, Tanor Bortolini, Blake Freeland, Wesley French
Pretty rare to get an entire offensive line starting unit back fully intact, but the Colts have that going for them here. And it’s a good group, too, with Nelson bouncing back in 2023 and Raimann taking a big step in his second year. A key variable will be the health of Smith, who has been slowed by assorted injuries. His availability going forward could determine his long-term future with the team.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore
The Colts feel like this is the strength of their roster and their deepest unit. It’s difficult to argue otherwise, especially at defensive end. The Colts could conceivably rotate five different pass rushers. Latu, the 15th overall pick, is an exciting addition on the edge. The signing of Davis solidifies the interior depth, something that proved an issue during Stewart’s performance enhancing drug suspension last season.
LINEBACKERS (6): Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, Segun Olubi, Ronnie Harrison Jr., Jaylon Carlies, Grant Stuard
The duo of Franklin and Speed is what really matters here, and they are one of the better pairs around. The next step for Franklin is to evolve into an elite player, and he’s been on that trajectory. Speed’s range and, well, speed are attributes the coaching staff will continue to take advantage of. But the depth here is unproven, which could be a bit of a concern.
CORNERBACKS (6): Kenny Moore II, JuJu Brents, Dallis Flowers, Jaylon Jones, Jaylin Simpson, Micah Abraham
The development of this unit is going to have a massive impact on the overall success of the Colts this season. There were some disappointing moments last season at pivotal junctures, and the young corners are going to have to prove that they’ve grown from those. If not, the front office’s decision to bypass help in the draft and free agency will be open to criticism. Still, Moore’s re-signing this past spring can’t be overstated. He continues to grow, even entering his eighth season.
Blackmon settled into a nice comfort zone at strong safety in his first year at the position last season. But the jury is out on the rest of this unit. Cross has a chance to take ownership of the free-safety job if he shows he’s up for it. Thomas looks like he’s destined to be a backup for now. Don’t rule out the Colts considering outside veteran help at this position.
Blackmon settled into a nice comfort zone at strong safety in his first year at the position last season. But the jury is out on the rest of this unit. Cross has a chance to take ownership of the free-safety job if he shows he’s up for it. Thomas looks like he’s destined to be a backup for now. Don’t rule out the Colts considering outside veteran help at this position.
As solid a group as you’ll find, with Gay finishing fifth last season in field goals made (33) and third from 50 yards or longer (8). How he adapts to the new kickoff rules in 2024 will be interesting to watch. Sanchez will now be two years removed from an Achilles tear that was still affecting him last season, which could positively impact his performance.
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