As the Indianapolis Colts progress through their training camp, they are gearing up for an exciting joint practice and preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. With nine practices completed, this is an opportune moment to evaluate potential roster spots for the 2023 season.
**Projected 53-Man Roster Prediction:**
**Offense:**
– **Quarterbacks (3):** Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
The battle for the starting position continues between Richardson and Jones, but both are expected to secure spots on the final roster.
– **Running backs (3):** Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens
With Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens confirmed, Herbert is anticipated to edge out Tyler Goodson for the last available spot in light of GM Chris Ballard’s comments about needing more production from backups.
– **Wide receivers (6):** Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
This group is fairly settled, with six solid receivers lining up for the Colts.
– **Tight ends (4):** Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Will Mallory has made a strong impression during training camp, enhancing his prospects alongside Warren’s versatility in pass situations.
– **Offensive line (9):** Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Dalton Tucker, Danny Pinter, Jalen Travis
The Colts may opt for a heavy offensive line, potentially including a 10th player if one of the interior linemen can prove their value.
**Defense:**
– **Defensive line (10):** DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Neville Gallimore, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, JT Tuimoloau, Tim Smith
A competitive group, with Gallimore and Adebawore showing promise while Isaiah Land faces challenges to make the team.
– **Linebackers (5):** Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bachie
Bachie’s performance could push him closer to a starting linebacker role next to Franklin, and Austin Ajiake’s special teams contributions might also be critical for his roster viability.
– **Cornerbacks (6):** Jaylon Jones, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack, Justin Walley
With recent injuries affecting Jones and Brents, the Colts added veteran cornerbacks Duke Shelley and Tre Herndon to bolster their options moving forward.
– **Safeties (4):** Nick Cross, Cam Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Hunter Wohler
This position appears more straightforward, with the potential for a fifth safety emerging.
– **Special Teams (3):** Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Shrader currently leads the kicking competition with impressive performances thus far in training camp.
As the Colts prepare for their matchup with the Ravens, the focus will be on solidifying each position and making those final roster decisions. Fans can remain optimistic as the team begins to find their rhythm and identify key contributors leading into the regular season. With promising talent across both offensive and defensive units, Indianapolis is shaping up to be a competitive squad.