Danely’s final Colts 53-man roster projection

With the end of the preseason comes the massive cut down of 37 players per team from 90, to their initial 53-man roster. Some of these cuts are somewhat predictive, but the last bit of the roster is, at times, difficult to nail down due to the decision makers’ motives being unknown.

Trades, surprise cuts and different designations will undoubtedly alter some of the finished product, but here is my final projection of the Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster for the 2018 NFL season.

OFFENSE (24)

QB: (2)

I don’t think this position deserves much analysis.

Andrew Luck — Jacoby Brissett

OL: (9)

The key for this offensive line is to find the perfect mix of what’s currently available to secure depth on the interior as well as a formidable group at the tackle position. This is my estimation of who that could be initially.

Anthony Castonzo — Quenton Nelson — Ryan Kelly — Matt Slauson — Braden Smith — Le’Raven Clark — Joe Haeg — Denzelle Good — Deyshawn Bond

RB: (4)

With Turbin’s suspension, a spot is open until he returns in Week 5. Christine Michael is also in the mix, of course, but Frank Reich is awful familiar with what Oliver offers the offense from his days in San Diego.

Marlon Mack — Jordan Wilkins — Nyheim Hines — Branden Oliver

WR: (5)

Pascal made himself necessary in the return game, and Fountain showed enough for the team to form reasonable expectations for his long-term viability at the position.

T.Y. Hilton — Chester Rogers — Ryan Grant — Zach Pascal — Daurice Fountain

TE: (4)

Unfortunately, both, Daniels and Ross Travis now have injuries. It appears that Ross’ may be more significant on the surface, thus Daniels is the keeper here.

Jack Doyle — Eric Ebron — Darrell Daniels — Erik Swoope

DEFENSE (26)

DL: (9)

This was a real struggle to be perfectly honest. Al Woods is one who I found to be replaceable with the ability of Stewart as the scheme’s nose tackle. Maybe the team finds a way to sign him after the initial roster is set in order for them to place Lewis on IR.

It’s also a possibility to see Simon unloaded for a late-round draft pick. I just don’t think the team can afford to let productive pass rushers hit the street. I’m not at all confident in this group being the actual list. Ultimately, I don’t think all that highly of Basham, but I also don’t think Ballard is ready to let go just yet.

Denico Autry — Jabaal Sheard — John Simon — Kemoko Turay — Ryan Delaire — Tarell Basham — Grover Stewart — Hassan Ridgeway — Tyquan Lewis

LB: (7)

Walker is on his way back, and the others have done exactly what the team was hoping for in creating a fast, instinctual bunch to begin the process of integrating the new scheme.

Darius Leonard — Skai Moore — Najee Goode — Matthew Adams — Tyrell Adams — Zaire Franklin — Anthony Walker

CB: (6)

The only one I believe may be different here is Pipkins. He was very productive in his only action Thursday night, but so was Henre Toliver. I just think Toliver is a touch easier to stash on the practice squad. Milton earned his spot in my eyes.

Quincy Wilson — Pierre Desir — Nate Hairston — Kenny Moore — Lenzy Pipkins — Chris Milton

S: (4)

I honestly think the T.J. Green experiment is over. Odum was extremely productive, aggressive, covered well all over the field and became an asset on special teams as well.

Malik Hooker — Clayton Geathers — Matthias Farley — George Odum

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

K - Adam Vinatieri

P - Rigoberto Sanchez

LS - Luke Rhodes