INDIANAPOLIS – Is there one starting job left open entering the 2022 NFL Draft?
In my view of the Colts depth chart right now, it looks like that way to me, with some additional playing time open at the pass catching positions.
With the Colts offseason program beginning this week, let’s take a very early look at a depth chart.
What might a depth chart look like for the Colts entering the offseason program?
Quarterbacks: Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, James Morgan
Bowen’s Analysis: Another arm will be added at some point, but I think this team is content with Sam Ehlinger being the backup again in 2022. Do the Colts spend a high draft pick though on a QB next week?
Running Backs: Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, Deon Jackson
Bowen’s Analysis: This group needs one more body, probably more of a natural early-down runner as a break glass emergency guy for Jonathan Taylor.
Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman, Dezmon Patmon, Mike Strachan
Bowen’s Analysis: The Colts have several tall wideouts that they need to tap into more. And it would do wonders if Patmon and/or Strachan took a giant leap in 2022.
Wide Receiver: Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, Keke Coutee, DeMichael Harris
Bowen’s Analysis: Yeah, about this group. This is where a starting job is wide open.
Tight End: Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Farrod Green, Michael Jacobson, Nikola Kalinic, Eli Wolf
Bowen’s Analysis: Playing time is also up in the air at tight end. The loss of Jack Doyle is big, considering the versatility he brought from the tight end position.
Left Tackle: Matt Pryor, Carter O’Donnell, Brandon Kemp
Bowen’s Analysis: The first shot at left tackle goes to Matt Pryor. He has two career starts there.
Left Guard: Quenton Nelson, Will Fries
Bowen’s Analysis: Duh.
Center: Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter
Bowen’s Analysis: I would still place Pinter as the backup center.
Right Guard: Danny Pinter, Will Fries
Bowen’s Analysis: You have to think Pinter will get the first chance to replace Mark Glowinski (and Chris Reed) as the new starting right guard.
Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Shon Coleman, Jordan Murray
Bowen’s Analysis: Backup tackle depth is a major question entering the draft.
Defensive End: Yannick Ngakoue, Ben Banogu
Bowen’s Analysis: When you start looking at defensive end, it’s a position that could use another body this offseason.
Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner, Dayo Odeyingbo, Kameron Cline
Bowen’s Analysis: Odeyingbo should have a pretty consistent pass rushing role.
Nose Tackle: Grover Stewart, Chris Williams, R.J. McIntosh
Bowen’s Analysis: Behind Stewart, the Colts did lose a couple of guys in Taylor Stallworth and Antwaun Woods this offseason.
Defensive Tackle: Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis
Bowen’s Analysis: When healthy, Lewis fits several different roles along the defensive front.
WILL Linebacker: Darius Leonard, EJ Speed
Bowen’s Analysis: This has been the WILL duo since Speed joined the Colts in 2019.
MIKE Linebackers: Bobby Okereke, Malik Jefferson
Bowen’s Analysis: Okereke had a nice first season as the full-time MIKE linebacker.
SAM Linebacker: Zaire Franklin, Jordan Glasgow
Bowen’s Analysis: Franklin returned to the Colts this offseason on a 3-year deal. He is this team’s 3rd linebacker, aiding against run heavy teams.
Cornerback: Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson, Anthony Chesley, Marvell Tell, Alexander Myres
Bowen’s Analysis: The Colts do have some length at corner with this group, but proven depth is a question.
Cornerback: Kenny Moore, Isaiah Rodgers, Chris Wilcox, Tony Brown, Will Redmond
Bowen’s Analysis: Rodgers and Facyson are probably competing for that 3rd corner in the nickel package.
Free Safety: Julian Blackmon, Rodney McLeod
Bowen’s Analysis: McLeod has ample history as a starting free safety and should be that until Blackmon is fully healed from his torn Achilles.
Strong Safety: Khari Willis, Armani Watts, Brandon King
Bowen’s Analysis: Watts and King will be special teamers in Indy.
Specialists: K-Rodrigo Blankenship, LS-Luke Rhodes, P-Rigoberto Sanchez, K-Jake Verity
Bowen’s Analysis: Is this a kicking competition? Michael Badgley has not yet been re-signed.
Kick Returner: Isaiah Rodgers, Nyheim Hines, Parris Campbell
Bowen’s Analysis: Until we see some clarity on the offensive/defensive depth charts, I’ll stick with these guys as the return men.
Punt Returner: Nyheim Hines, Isaiah Rodgers, Parris Campbell
Bowen’s Analysis: Until we see some clarity on the offensive/defensive depth charts, I’ll stick with these guys as the return men.
