Colts Claim Three Players Off Waivers, But Likely Aren't Done Shaping Roster

Earlier today, the Colts announced that they were rewarded S Sergio Brown, OT Mike Person, and NT Martin Tevaseu off waivers. I don't know much about Tevasue, but Brown and Person had significant interest from other teams.The Giants were one team that put in a claim for Brown while the Patriots had their eyes on Person.

Also, per Adam Caplan, there was chatter that the Colts would claim S Larry Asante off waivers from the Buccaneers. However, it seems that did not happen.

All three claimed players players (Person, Brown, and Tevaseu) fill needs and all three provide better depth at areas that are fairly thin. Personally, I don’t think the Colts are completely done adding players. One reason is they only have five corners on the roster. D.J. Johnson, who the Colts traded for during preseason (sending Ollie Ogbu to the Eagles), was waived to make room for Sergio Brown.

A fun fact: when front offices make claims for players, they must also name the player they are cutting to make room on the roster for the new player.

D.J. Johnson wasn’t a bad corner this preseason, but he didn’t stand out. Thus, he became expendable. I won’t rule out Colts G.M. Ryan Grigson bringing him back because Grigson is familiar with him from his days working in the Eagles front office, but it’s my thinking (and this is speculation on my part, not insider info) that Grigson is eying recently waived CB Joselio Hanson.

It seems that Hanson, a vested veteran, passed through waivers either unclaimed, or, if a team did try to claim him, he opted for free agency. Either way, he’s now a free agent, and his agent can negotiate a new contract with any team. Hanson would be a good fit in Indianapolis, but he might be looking for a more contending team or a team offering more guaranteed money.

I also think wide receiver is another place where the Colts could add another player. I tossed out a name like Deion Branch because it makes sense, logically. He’s a solid receiver who actually lives in Carmel, IN in the offseason.

I also don’t think the front office is settled on this offensive line. Mike Person adds depth as a utility lineman, but they could use another guard.

However, overall, this is a good roster. Not perfect, but it has upside. Unlike previous rosters solidified prior to Week One, I don’t see many players here that are on the team for reasons other than they belonged. Most of these players looked good in training camp while also showing ability in preseason.

Yes, even Jerry Hughes.

The practice squad is also a solid bunch. I’m happy to see Chigbo Anunoby and Hayworth Hicks there. These guys show potential to develop into active roster-type players. Is this a playoff team right now? No. Can they develop into one as the season progresses (and the core stays healthy)? Yes. Acquiring Vontae Davis adds a young, quality, man-to-man coverage corner with serious upside. A healthy Cory Redding will help set the edge on the outside of the defense, and Tom Zbikowski will hopefully hold down the strong safety spot (a position that has seen significant turnover in recent years because of injuries). This defense can be good. This team has a chance. Notice I haven’t even mentioned the impressive talents of Andrew Luck.

I'm on record as saying the Bears will beat the Colts next week this time, but I might end up being wrong. If I am, I will be sooooooooooooooooo happy!