INDIANAPOLIS – Colts players are flocking back to Indianapolis.
With Monday’s start of the offseason program, the Colts currently have a roster of 64 players.
That leaves 26 open spots for 7 draft picks and a slew of undrafted free agents coming next weekend. The 2022 NFL Draft starts next Thursday.
Here is the current position-by-position breakdown of the Colts roster:
Quarterbacks (3): Sam Ehlinger, James Morgan, Matt Ryan
Bowen’s Analysis: It’s an entirely new quarterback room from where the Colts were last spring. Ehlinger and Morgan have never thrown a pass in the NFL.
Running Backs (3): Nyheim Hines, Deon Jackson, Jonathan Taylor
Bowen’s Analysis: The Colts do really like Jackson, an undrafted free agent last year. They could use another Jackson-type addition this offseason.
Wide Receivers (7): Parris Campbell, Keke Coutee, Ashton Dulin, DeMichael Harris, Dezmon Patmon, Michael Pittman, Mike Strachan
Bowen’s Analysis: This is obviously a major position of need. From both quantity and quality standpoints, wide receiver must be addressed in the draft.
Tight Ends (6): Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Farrod Green, Michael Jacobson, Nikola Kalinic, Eli Wolf
Bowen’s Analysis: From a numbers point of view, it’s not a must to add at tight end. But this has to be one of the least proven TE groups in the entire NFL.
Offensive Line (10): Shon Coleman, Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Brandon Kemp, Jordan Murray, Quenton Nelson, Carter O’Donnell, Danny Pinter, Matt Pryor, Braden Smith
Bowen’s Analysis: Typically, teams like to have closer to 15 offensive lineman for training camp. So this number will grow, with wide open depth spots.
Defensive Line (10): Ben Banogu, DeForest Buckner, Kameron Cline, Tyquan Lewis, R.J. McIntosh, Yannick Ngakoue, Dayo Odeyingbo, Kwity Paye, Grover Stewart, Chris Williams
Bowen’s Analysis: It’s by no means a desperate need, although you know Chris Ballard always has his eye on the defensive line. I could see a body or two added here.
Linebackers (6): Zaire Franklin, Jordan Glasgow, Malik Jefferson, Darius Leonard, Bobby Okereke, EJ Speed
Bowen’s Analysis: This position group continues to have little change. Special teamer Matthew Adams did depart to Chicago in the offseason, while fellow 2018 draft pick Zaire Franklin was re-signed.
Cornerbacks (10): Tony Brown, Anthony Chesley, Brandon Facyson, Stephon Gilmore, Kenny Moore, Alexander Myres, Will Redmond, Isaiah Rodgers, Marvell Tell, Chris Wilcox
Bowen’s Analysis: Similar to tight end, the Colts have a large amount of numbers here. Even though Gilmore is a flashy addition, his age shouldn’t rule out this position in the draft.
Safeties (5): Julian Blackmon, Brandon King, Rodney McLeod, Armani Watts, Khari Willis
Bowen’s Analysis: Expect another young safety to join the mix.
Specialists (4): K-Rodrigo Blankenship, LS-Luke Rhodes, P-Rigoberto Sanchez, K-Jake Verity
Bowen’s Analysis: It is a bit odd to see Michael Badgley not re-signed this offseason. Do the Colts add a kicker in, or after, the draft?
