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INDIANAPOLIS We are inching closer and closer to getting realer evaluations on roster cuts.

With the Colts done with their 9 OTA/minicamp practices, it’s time for summer vacation until training camp begins in late July.

Currently, the Colts have all 90 spots filled on their 90-man roster.

Here is a post-spring 53-man roster projection (number of players currently on the roster, numbers of players being kept by me, numbers of players kept there last year; Bold = makes team; * = rookie):

 

Quarterbacks (4/2/2): Jack Coan*, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles, Matt Ryan

Bowen’s Analysis: I don’t see the need to keep Ehlinger on the 53-man roster. Move him to the practice squad and he shouldn’t be too coveted by other teams.

 

Running Backs (7/3/4): Nyheim Hines, Deon Jackson, Phillip Lindsay, D’Vonte Price*, Jonathan Taylor, C.J. Verdell*, Ty’Son Williams

Bowen’s Analysis: I’ll go with Lindsay winning the No. 3 running back job over Jackson and Williams.

 

Wide Receivers (12/6/6): Parris Campbell, Keke Coutee, Kekoa Crawford*, Ashton Dulin, DeMichael Harris, Ethan Fernea*, Samson Nacua*, Dezmon Patmon, Alec Pierce*, Michael Pittman, Mike Strachan, Michael Young*

Bowen’s Analysis: This will be a good competition to complete the wideout group. Coutee and Harris are ones that could factor into challenging for a roster spot, too.

 

Tight Ends (6/4/3): Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Michael Jacobson, Nikola Kalinic, Drew Ogletree*, Jelani Woods*

Bowen’s Analysis: Is there room for four tight ends? Right now, I think so. I’ll have both 2022 draft picks completing this group.

 

Offensive Line (15/9/8): Ryan Ven Damark*, Wesley French*, Will Fries, Dennis Kelly, Ryan Kelly, Brandon Kemp, Jordan Murray, Quenton Nelson, Carter O’Donnell, Danny Pinter, Matt Pryor, Bernhard Raimann*, Josh Seltzner*, Jason Spriggs, Braden Smith

Bowen’s Analysis: How the Colts handle the offensive line depth will continue to be an offseason storyline. That 9th spot will be something to keep an eye on, as Chris Ballard is a big fan of keeping at least 9 offensive linemen.

 

Defensive Line (15/9/11): Ben Banogu, Curtis Brooks*, DeForest Buckner, Kameron Cline, Bryan Cox Jr., Eric Johnson*, Tyquan Lewis, R.J. McIntosh, Yannick Ngakoue, Caeveon Patton*, Dayo Odeyingbo, Scott Patchan*, Kwity Paye, Grover Stewart, Chris Williams

Bowen’s Analysis: Chris Ballard also has not been afraid to keep double-digit defensive linemen, so we might be a number short here. The Colts could use another edge body. Maybe swap out Chris Williams for Ben Banogu?

 

Linebackers (9/5/6): JoJo Domann*, Zaire Franklin, Darius Leonard, Bobby Okereke, Forrest Rhyne*, James Skalski*, EJ Speed, Sterling Weatherford*

Bowen’s Analysis: Let’s go with an undrafted free agent in Domann to make the team. He was my choice prior to OTAs, and he backed that up with a nice spring performance. Plus, special teamer Jordan Glasgow is no longer around, so a spot is open here. Are we still a number short here at linebacker?

 

Cornerbacks (13/6/7): Tony Brown, Anthony Chesley, Marcel Dabo*, Brandon Facyson, Dallis Flowers*, Stephon Gillmore, Kenny Moore II, Alexander Myres, Will Redmond, Isaiah Rodgers, Marvell Tell III, Rodney Thomas*, Chris Wilcox

Bowen’s Analysis: We could be a number high in the secondary, but we’ve got some room with only 5 linebackers.

 

Safeties (7/6/3): Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross*, Trevor Denbow*, Brandon King, Rodney McLeod, Armani Watts, Khari Willis

Bowen’s Analysis: This position has changed the most of any on defense this offseason. King makes the team for his special teams history.

 

Specialists (4/3/3): K-Rodrigo Blankenship, LS-Luke Rhodes, P-Rigoberto Sanchez, K-Jake Verity

Bowen’s Analysis: It was a bit odd to see Michael Badgley not re-signed this offseason. The Colts decided not to draft or sign an undrafted kicker, so Verity will be the Hot Rod challenger at camp.