The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up the offseason workout program Thursday with their final minicamp practice, officially breaking for summer.
Up until the final days of minicamp, it was a pretty quiet offseason. The shoulder soreness Anthony Richardson was dealing with brings up some talking points but other than that, it was business as usual for Indy.
Coming off a 9-8 season in which they narrowly missed a playoff berth, this is a crucial campaign for general manager Chris Ballard. The roster seems to be in solid shape, but the team is likely going to go as far as Richardson will take them.
Colts Depth Chart Projections: Offense | Defense
Though most of the decisions will be made throughout training camp and the preseason, it's time to take a look at projecting the 53-man roster as the offseason concludes.
Rookies are marked in italics.
Colts' 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Anthony Richardson
Backup: Joe Flacco
Analysis: We enter summer break with questions about just how concerning the shoulder soreness Richardson ended minicamp with. Richardson and the Colts don't seem concerned in the slightest, but this will still be a storyline to watch once training camp arrives in late July.
MORE: Colts downplay severity of Anthony Richardson's injury
Running Back (3)
Starter: Jonathan Taylor
Backups: Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
Analysis: This will be Taylor's backfield while the rest of the group battles for the second and third depth chart spots. Sermon is the RB2 coming out of minicamp while the RB3 role is a toss up between Hull and Tyler Goodson.
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs
Backups: Adonai Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould
Analysis: There's not much room for anyone else assuming the Colts keep six wideouts. Pierce is listed as the starter, but that role is likely going to Mitchell eventually. The rookie was one of the stars of the offseason, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Colts gave Pierce a chance to prove himself.
MORE: Biggest standouts from Colts minicamp
Tight End (5)
Starters: Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson
Backups: Jelani Woods, Andrew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Analysis: The Colts could keep four tight ends, but it also may be likely there will be an odd-man out. Right now, Will Mallory makes the cut, but he would be the first off the list if it's only four. Could Alie-Cox be on the chopping block if Woods and Ogletree prove to be viable options at the Y? It's not an insane notion.
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith
Backups: Blake Freeland, Matt Goncalves, Tanor Bortolini, Josh Sills
Analysis: The starting five is set and the depth roles for Freeland, Goncalves and Bortolini are likely safe as well. The Colts could keep 10 offensive linemen, but the unit is coming off a strong season so they could try to rely on the starting five as much as possible. Right now, Sills gets the nod over Danny Pinter.
Defensive Line (9)
Starters: Samson Ebukam, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye
Backups: Dayo Odeyingbo, Laiatu Latu, Tyquan Lewis, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore
Analysis: Arguably the deepest unit throughout the entire roster, it's pretty safe to say there's likely one or two spots truly up for grabs. The main battle to watch will be between Adebawore and 2024 seventh-round pick Jonah Laulu. Taven Bryan also will be competing for the final spot.
MORE: Colts DT duo among best in NFL
Linebacker (6)
Starters: Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed
Backups: Jaylon Carlies, Isaiah Land, Grant Stuard, Segun Olubi
Analysis: The starting tandem is set while the third spot is wide open. The rookie in Carlies has a chance to earn the role, and he has the highest upside in the room. Olubi is nice depth behind Franklin while Land and Stuard provide special teams contributions.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Julius Brents, Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones
Backups: Dallis Flowers, Jaylin Simpson, Darrell Baker Jr.
Analysis: Coming out of minicamp, Jones has the inside track to be the starting boundary cornerback opposite Brents while Moore works in the slot. Simpson has safety-corner versatility but it seems the Colts want him at nickel to begin. Flowers and Baker will be depth pieces on the outside. Sixth-round pick Micah Abraham doesn't make the cut here.
Safety (4)
Starters: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross
Backups: Rodney Thomas II, Trevor Denbow
The final spot in the room was likely going to Daniel Scott before he tragically suffered another season-ending injury during the offseason. Maybe a vet signing before training camp?
Specialists (3)
Starters: Matt Gay, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
