The Indianapolis Colts began organized team activities (OTA) last week to start their process of getting prepared for the 2024 season.
The first week of OTAs gave us a glimpse into what the offense is going to look like in the second season under Shane Steichen.
On the offensive side of the ball for Indy, they have the majority of the starting positions locked in, but there are a few roles that will be up for grabs over the next few months.
Let’s take a look at an early projection on what the Colts offensive depth chart will look like come opening day:
Colts 2024 offensive depth chart projection
Quarterback
1. Anthony Richardson
2. Joe Flacco
3. Sam Ehlinger
Practice squad candidate: Kedon Slovis
There are no question marks for the starting and backup quarterback for Indianapolis. The competition to watch in this group is between Ehlinger and UDFA rookie Slovis. The pair are set to battle it out for the QB3 spot on the depth chart. I give the early edge to Ehlinger because of his experience.
Running Back
1. Jonathan Taylor
2. Evan Hull
3. Trey Sermon
4. Tyler Goodson
Practice Squad Candidates: Zavier Scott and Trent Pennix
This is Jonathan Taylor’s backfield but the question mark for the group is who is RB2? I give the early lean towards second-year player Hull because of his third-down ability which can help him carve out a role in the offense. Sermon and Goodson have the upper hand to make the 53-man roster because of their experience last year but all five backs behind Taylor enter a wide-open competition for a spot on this year’s team.
Wide Receiver
Z:
1. Michael Pittman Jr.
2. Ashton Dulin
Slot:
1. Josh Downs
X:
1. Alec Pierce
Practice Squad Candidates: D.J. Montgomery, Juwann Winfree, Jason Bean (QB/WR)
The top six receivers on the team are locked to make the 53-man roster barring a very disappointing preseason and one of the six receivers behind them outshines them. The battle to watch is for the X-role between Pierce and Mitchell. My early projection is Pierce gets the opening day start but these two will battle for snaps throughout the season.
MORE: 8 Colts who could be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2024
Tight End
1. Jelani Woods
2. Kylen Granson
3. Mo Alie-Cox
4. Will Mallory
5. Drew Ogletree
The position battle in the tight end room is going to be a fierce one this summer. Each player offers their own unique skill set that they bring to the offense. Woods is the most dynamic player in the group so if his health concerns are behind him, he offers the best chance to be the clear-cut TE1 by the end of the summer.
The question is if Chris Ballard will elect to carry all five on the 53-man roster. One of these five could end up being a trade candidate or a surprise cut. If one is released, I see another team claiming them off the waivers which is why I don’t see any as a practice squad candidate.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Bernhard Raimann
Left Guard: Quenton Nelson
Center: Ryan Kelly
Right Guard: Will Fries
Right Tackle: Braden Smith
Backups: Blake Freeland (LT/RT), Danny Pinter (C/OG), Wesley French (C/OG), Matt Goncalves (OG/RT), Tanor Bortolini (C/OG)
Practice Squad Candidates: Jake Witt, Josh Sills, Arlington Hambright, Jack Anderson
The Colts are set with their starting five returning from the 2023 season. The battle for the backup roles will be something to monitor this summer. Pinter, French, and Bortolini will battle to backup Kelly at center but their versatility to kick out at guard should help their chances of making the 53-man roster.
Freeland enters as the swing tackle but Goncalves’ experience as a tackle can give the coaching staff some flexibility on how they would handle if Raimann or Smith had to miss any time.
For more Colts coverage, check out Cody Manning's work on Sporting News.
