Colts release first depth chart in advance of preseason opener

The Indianapolis Colts today released their first depth chart of the year in advance of Sunday’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers in the Hall of Fame game. Keep in mind that this depth chart will change quite a bit in the next few weeks, but here’s the full depth chart (italics denotes a rookie) along with some thoughts and comments about what’s listed.

Offense:

WR: T.Y. Hilton, Josh Boyce, Tevaun Smith, MeKale McKay, Daniel Anthrop, Andre Debose

LT: Anthony Castonzo, Kevin Graf, Jeremy Vujnovich

LG: Jack Mewhort, Joe Haeg, Kitt O’Brien

C: Ryan Kelly, Jonotthan Harrison, Austin Blythe

RG: Hugh Thornton, Denzelle Good, Adam Redmond

RT: Joe Reitz, Le’Raven Clark, Mitchell Van Dyk

TE: Dwayne Allen, Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope, Emil Igwenagu, Chase Coffman, Konrad Reuland, Darion Griswold

WR: Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Chester Rogers, Marcus Leak, Quan Bray, Josh Stangby

QB: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris

RB: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, Jordan Todman, Josh Ferguson, Trey Williams, Abou Toure

Notes:

• The real position to note here is right guard, as that’s the one that’s truly wide open right now. Hugh Thornton is listed as the first team guard, which should surprise absolutely no one. At the same time, however, don’t rule out Denzelle Good. He has seen more first team reps than anyone in the past two practices and we’re starting to get the sense that he could be emerging as a frontrunner. Of course, training camp and preseason will help solidify the position regardless of who starts, but at this point it seems to be between Thornton and Good.
• Quan Bray is listed as the fifth wide receiver at one of the receiver spots - so he’s very much buried on the depth chart. I know some people don’t believe it, but I’ll say it again: his roster spot isn’t guaranteed. As you’ll see later he is listed as the starting kick and punt returner, and that’s the way he’ll make the roster if he does. But the fact that he’s buried so far down the depth chart at receiver to start off with should be a reminder that just because he’s their return specialist doesn’t neccessarily mean he’s guaranteed a roster spot.
• It’s amazing how much you can learn from just paying close attention to what people say, but Chester Rogers’ name has been dropped unprompted on several occasions since signing as an undrafted free agent. He’s had an impressive camp, and sure enough he’s pretty high on the depth chart. He’s a guy to keep an eye on.
• I’d also be watching the situation at running back, as based on what we’ve seen in camp I think Josh Ferguson could easily pass Jordan Todman with a good preseason.

Defense:

DE: Kendall Langford, Sterling Bailey, Kelcy Quarles, Henry Anderson

NT: David Parry, T.Y. McGill, Ricky Lumpkin

DT: Zach Kerr, Hassan Ridgeway, Delvon Simmons, Arthur Jones

SLB: Erik Walden, Trevor Bates, Curt Maggitt

Mike: D’Qwell Jackson, Nate Irving, Antonio Morrison, Amarlo Herrera

Will: Sio Moore, Edwin Jackson, Josh McNary, Junior Sylvestre

Rush: Robert Mathis, Trent Cole, Earl Okine, Ron Thompson

LCB: Patrick Robinson, Jalil Brown, D’Joun Smith, Tevin Mitchel, Frankie Williams, Christopher Milton

SS: Mike Adams, Winston Guy, Lee Hightower

FS: T.J. Green, Dezmen Southward, Stefan McClure, Clayton Geathers

RCB: Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, Tay Glover-Wright, Darius White, Winston Rose

Notes:

• Sio Moore is listed as the starting inside linebacker alongside D’Qwell Jackson, which is certainly interesting. It has seemed like Nate Irving is the favorite there, but on the first depth chart Irving is listed behind Jackson. That position is also wide open so nothing is decided yet, but it bears noting. Perhaps, Irving is listed behind Jackson because the Colts are thinking about using Moore and Irving on the field together at times this year too. We’ve seen that at times in camp, and so we’ll see what happens.
• Trevor Bates is listed as the second-team strongside linebacker, which is interesting - and likely out of necessity. Bates has skills as a pass rusher and if he makes the roster he’ll certainly get a shot to do that at times, but the Colts also need someone to play behind Erik Walden.
• Darius Butler is still listed as a cornerback (which is no surprise), but it bears watching during the preseason how often he lines up there compared to how often he lines up at safety.

Special Teams:

P: Pat McAfee

PK: Adam Vinatieri

H: Pat McAfee

LS: Matt Overton

KR: Quan Bray, Andre Debose

PR: Quan Bray, Andre Debose

Notes:

• No surprises here whatsoever.