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The Colts announced their first unofficial depth chart of the season today. So we are going to dive in and provide analysis. Here is a position-by-position look.
Offense:
QB - Carson Wentz, Jacob Eason, Sam Ehlinger, Brett Hundley
RB - Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, Marlon Mack, Jordan Wilkins, Benny LeMay, Darius Anderson, Deon Jackson
WR - T.Y. Hilton, Mike Strachan, Quartney Davis
TE - Jack Doyle, Noah Togiai, Jordan Thomas, Graham Adomitis
LT - Will Holden, Sam Tevi, Eric Fisher
LG - Quenton Nelson, Chris Reed,
C - Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, Joey Hunt
RG - Mark Glowinski, Jake Eldrenkamp, Will Fries
RT - Braden Smith, Julien Davenport, Carter O’Donnell
TE - Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Farrod Green, Andrew Vollert
WR - Zach Pascal, Parris Campbell, DeMichael Harris, Tyler Vaughns
WR - Michael PIttman Jr., Ashton Dulin, Dezmon Patmon, Tarik Black
Analysis:
- One of the biggest talking points on offense this offseason has been the left tackle spot. The Colts list Will Holden as the starter with Sam Tevi backing him up. The job is Eric Fisher’s once he returns from his Achilles injury but in the meantime, it is an open competition, and appears Holden is leading the way currently.
- At wide receiver, the top four spots are locked up with Hilton, Pittman, Campbell, and Pascal firmly atop the depth chart. The battle for the fifth and possibly sixth spots is where the competition begins and it appears rookie Mike Strachan’s strong showing at training camp gives him an early edge.
- With Carson Wentz recovering from a foot injury, Jacob Eason has taken on the starting role. Sam Ehlinger has done well enough in camp to earn himself some practice reps with the first team today but Eason is still listed as the primary backup, and current starter. Hundley joined the team to provide depth while Wentz is out with his foot injury.
Defense:
DE - Kwity Paye, Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu, Demontre Moore
NT - Grover Stewart, Antwaun Woods, Taylor Stallworth, Chris Williams
UT - DeForest Buckner, Andrew Brown, Joey Ivie
DE - Tyquan Lewis, Al-Quadin Muhammed, Isaac Rochell, Kameron Cline, Dayo Odeyingbo
WLB - Darius Leonard, EJ Speed, Malik Jefferson, Jordan Glasgow, Curtis Bolton
MLB - Bobby Okereke, Skai Moore
SLB - Zaire Franklin, Matthew Adams, Isaiah Kaufusi
CB - TJ Carrie, Isaiah Rodgers, Anthony Chesley, Holton Hill
FS - Julian Blackmon, Andre Chachere, Ibraheim Campbell
SS - Khari Willis, George Odum, Sean Davis, Shawn Davis
NCB - Kenny Moore II, T.J. Carrie, Andre Chachere
CB - Xavier Rhodes, Rock Ya-Sin, Marvell Tell III, Nick Nelson
Analysis:
- Rookie defensive end Kwity Paye is listed as the starter ahead of Turay and Banogu. The Colts 2021 1st round pick has shown out in training camp and has taken the starting job and hasn’t looked back. Paye should add the pass-rushing boost that the Colts are so desperate for.
- On the other side of the defensive line, Tyquan Lewis has locked onto a starting spot at defensive end. Lewis broke out last year and appears to have moved on from spending a lot of time at the 3-technique defensive tackle spot.
- TJ Carrie is listed as the team's starting cornerback on the outside across from Rhodes. Ya-Sin is listed as the backup to Rhodes. It is still early and Ya-Sin still has time to take the starting role back but it still appears to be one of the biggest camp competitions on defense.
- One name to watch out for on defense is Andre Chahere. The Colts signed him last year and kept him on the practice squad. Chachere has shown versatility in being able to play outside corner, nickel, and safety. He has been the primary backup to Julian Blackmon at free safety and taken advantage of his opportunities while Blackmon is sidelined with a knee injury.
Specialists:
P - Rigoberto Sanchez
K - Rodrigo Blankenship, Eddy Pineiro
LS - Luke Rhodes
KR - Isaiah Rodgers, Marlon Mack, Ashton Dulin
PR - Nyheim Hines, Isaiah Rodgers
Analysis:
- Blankenship appears to be winning the kicking competition and the depth chart reflects that. It would take a massive downward spiral from Blankenship for Pineiro to take the kicking job.
- It appears Marlon Mack has put his name at the kick returner's job. Mack will likely have a reduced role at running back due to Taylor and Hines having an active role in the backfield.