The Indianapolis Colts were not big spenders everyone thought they would in free agency but they did address a couple of positions before the NFL draft, which is a couple weeks away.
Here’s the updated roster:
Quarterback
- Nick Foles
- Garder Minshew (signed in FA)
- Sam Ehlinger
The NFL draft is weeks away and the Colts are expected to select a rookie quarterback with the fourth overall pick. After drafting a rookie QB, expect a roster move with veteran quarterback Nick Foles getting released.
Running Backs
- Jonathan Taylor
- Zack Moss
- Deon Jackson
- Darrynton Evans (signed in FA)
This room is set with Taylor being RB1 and Moss being RB2. With the addition of Darrynton Evans, he could battle it out for RB3 spot with three-year back Deon Jackson.
Wide Receiver
- Michael Pittman
- Alec Pierce
- Ashton Dulin
- Isaiah McKenzie (signed in FA)
- Mike Strachan
- Malik Turner
- Kristian Wilkerson
The wide receiver room watched WR Parris Campbell depart in free agency heading to the NY Giants. Colts did add speedster WR Isaiah McKenzie in free agency in hopes he could replace the void of Parris Campbell in the slot. With Dulin and Strachan having little experience, I expect the Colts to address the position in the draft.
Tight End
- Mo Alie Cox
- Kylen Granson
- Jelani Woods
- Andrew Ogletree
- Pharaoh Brown (signed in FA)
The tight end group showed promise this past year with Cox, Granson, and Woods all contributing with inconsistency at the QB position. Look forward to seeing Olgetree to bounce back from the injury he suffered in the off season last year. Colts added former Texans/Browns tight end Pharaoh Brown, who’s blocking abilities should fill the void by former Colts tight end Jack Doyle. With the addition of Brown, we could possibilty see Mo Alie Cox traded on draft day.
Offensive Line
OT
- Braden Smith
- Bernard Raimann
- Jordan Murray
Guard
- Quenton Nelson
- Danny Pinter
- Will Fries
- Arlington Hambright
Center
- Ryan Kelly
- Wesley French
- Dakoda Shepley
The line is set with Smith, Nelson, Kelly, and Raimann. The issue will be at the right guard position, which I expect them to address at the draft or during training camp when NFL teams make roster cuts.
Edge Rusher
- Kwity Paye
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Samson Ebukam (signed in FA)
- Tyquan Lewis
- Kameron Cline
- Kareem Khalid
Colts let Yannick Ngakoue walk in free agency after trading for him last off-season. Colts did add former Niners pass rusher Samson Ebukam in free agency to fill the void at LEO. Last season with the Niners, Ebukam posted career highs in sacks (five) and pass rush win rate (20.7%). The Colts defense will benefit from Ebukam’s technique and motor in 2023. Expect a big year from Paye and Odeyingbo.
Defensive Tackle
- Deforset Buckner
- Grover Stewart
- Eric Johnson
- Chris Williams
- Taven Bryan (signed in FA)
Colts added more depth to the position with the signing of former Jaguar/Browns defensive tackle Taven Bryan, who is coming off career highs in games played, sacks, and hurries. He does struggle against the run. He could be a quality player backing up starter Deforset Buckner.
Linebackers
- Darius (Shaq) Leonard
- Zaire Franklin
- EJ Speed
- Grant Stuard
- Jojo Domann
- Forrest Rhyne
- Segun Olubi
- Cameron McGrone
With the departure of Bobby Okereke, who left in free agency to the NY Giants. Colts are expecting a larger role from EJ Speed, who was re-signed on a two-year deal. Leonard coming off a season filled with injuries. Franklin, who set high career highs in every single statistical category was amongst the league leaders in tackles.
Defensive Backs
Cornerback
- Kenny Moore
- Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
- Tony Brown
- Dallis Flowers
- Kevin Toliver ll (signed in FA)
- Darrell Baker Jr.
- David Vereen
Safety
- Julian Blackmon
- Rodney Thomas ll
- Nick Cross
- Trevor Denbow
- Marcel Dabo
The room took a hit when Colts traded former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2023 Fifth round pick. Look for the Colts to address the cornerback position in the draft. Blackman and Thomas will be the starter at the safety position unless Bradley use Blackmon in the nickel role as he did last season, which will give Cross a chance at winning the other safety spot.
Special Teams
- Matt Gay (signed in FA)
- Rigoberto Sanchez
- Luke Rhodes
- Lucas Havrisk
Colts made a big splash in free agency signing former Rams kicker Matt Gay to a deal, making him one of the highest paid kickers in the NFL. Gay has been incredibly accurate, which has been an issue for the Colts. Over the last two seasons, Gay has converted 93% of his kicks and missed only two extra point attempts. He has converted 11 of 14 attempts from 50+ yards. Expect Sanchez to return to form after tearing his achilles causing him to miss the entire 2022 season.
