Post 2016 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart didn’t change much from last year because they had limited amount of cap space this offseason.
The biggest chance to the Indianapolis Colts depth chart is the addition of rookie center Ryan Kelly. His addition should help open more holes in the running game and keep pressure out of Andrew Luck’s face.
Quarterback
Starter: Andrew Luck
Backups: Scott Tolzien and Stephen Morris
The key here is that Andrew Luck needs to stay healthy. When he’s on the field this is a completely different team.
Running Back
Starter: Frank Gore
Backups: Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman
The running back position is one of the major question marks on this roster. Gore’s age is a concern while the backups provide little upside. Indianapolis is hoping that Gore has at least one more good season left in his legs.
Wide Receiver
Starters: TY Hilton and Donte Moncrief
Slot: Phillip Dorsett
Backups: Josh Boyce, Brian Tyms and Quan Bray
This group has plenty of big-play potential, but the Colts need a little more consistency. Look for Phillip Dorsett to show major improvements in his second year.
Tight End
Starter: Dwayne Allen
Backups: Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope and Tyler Varga
The loss of Cody Fleener will likley impact the offensive alignment with the Colts going with more one-tight end sets. Allen is a well-rounded player but injuries have kept him out of the lineup.
Left Tackle
Starter: Anthony Castonzo
Backups: Le’Raven Clark
Castonzo has been the most reliable player on the offensive, but still has his share of struggles. Indianapolis took a flyer on the talented but raw Le’Raven Clark in the 2016 Draft. He could potentially replace Castonzo in a season or two.
Left Guard
Starter: Hugh Thornton
Backups: Jack Mewhort, Joe Haeg and Joe Reitz
There is going to be a lot of competition along the offensive line in training camp. Several players will be fighting for a starting job at either guard spot and right tackle. However, the best alignment might be with Thornton plugged in at left guard.
Center
Starter: Ryan Kelly
Backup: Jonotthan Harrison
The Colts used this year’s 1st round pick on center Ryan Kelly because he’s a plug-and-play prospect who represents a major upgrade at the position.
Right Guard
Starter: Jonotthan Harrison
Backups: Jack Mewhort, Joe Haeg and Joe Reitz
Harrison played mostly center last season and show some promise. This is why he’s in the mix at the right guard position.
Right Tackle
Starter: Jack Mewhort
Backups: Joe Reitz, Denzelle Good and Le’Raven Clark
Jack Mewhort is a strong candidate to begin the season as a starter. This is because he’s both talented and can play multiple positions. However, his athleticism and movement skills make him the best option at right tackle.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Kendall Langford and Arthur Jones
Backups: Hassan Ridgeway, Henry Anderson and Zach Kerr
Langford and Jones are solid contributors who are locked into starting roles. Look for Hassan Ridgeway to see the field early in the year. He has the upside to be an extremely disruptive player along the defensive line.
Nose Tackle
Starter: David Parry
Backup: Zach Kerr
David Parry and Henry Anderson were both surprise contributors last year. Parry will be asked to continue his development while playing a significant role in the middle of the defense.
3-4 Outside Linebacker
Starters: Erik Walden and Trent Cole
Backups: Robert Mathis, Sio Moore and Antonio Morrison
This is an underwhelming group with age questions with both Trent Cole and Robert Mathis.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: D’Qwell Jackson and Nate Irving
Backups: Amarlo Herrera, Sio Moore and Antonio Morrison
The inside linebacker position is in solid hands with both Jackson and Irving playing a well-rounded game. Herrara and Morrison will likely get a chance if something happens with the starters.
Cornerback
Starters: Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson
Nickelback: Darius Butler
Backups: TJ Green, D’Joun Smith and Jalil Brown
Vontae Davis is still one of the best cornerbacks in the league; while Patrick Robinson had a strong season in San Diego last year. The key here might be rookie TJ Green who played safety in college but is projected to see time at cornerback.
Safety
Starters: Mike Adams and Clayton Geathers
Backups: Dezmen Southward and Winston Guy
The players listed above aren’t flashy but they get the job done.