Colts very early 53-man roster prediction after free agency
· Yahoo Sports
With NFL free agency mostly behind us, let's put together a still way-too-early 53-man roster prediction for the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL season.
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It was an active free agency period for GM Chris Ballard, who re-signed a number of the team's own free agents, while also making nine outside additions and a trade for Colby Wooden. That, of course, will impact what the Colts' final roster looks like.
That said, with the NFL draft still to take place, what the roster looks like today won't be what we see on Day 1 of training camp.
So, while early, this exercise helps highlight the needs that still exist for the Colts.
Quarterback (3)
Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Seth Henigan
The Colts have often kept three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster under Shane Steichen. We also expect Anthony Richardson to be traded at this point.
Running back (3)
Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Ulysses Bentley
These are the only three running backs on the roster. More competition for the RB2 and RB3 roles is needed.
Wide receiver (5)
Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Anthony Gould
Signing Westbrook-Ikhine in free agency shouldn't stop the Colts from adding to this unit. The depth of this group is in question at the moment.
Tight end (4)
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Bringing in competition for legitimate Mallory wouldn't be a bad idea.
Offensive line (10)
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Luke Tenuta, Blake Freeland, Jimmy Morrissey, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills
The starting five is on the roster, but improving the depth, given the lack of experience, is a must.
Defensive line (10)
Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, JT Tuimoloau, Durell Nchami, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Colby Wooden, Jerry Tillery, Adetomiwa Adebawore
The Colts don't necessarily have to add to the defensive tackle position. However, attempting to find a high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu -- allowing the others to fill more rotational roles -- should be a high priority.
Linebacker (4)
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake, John Bullock
This position still has to be heavily addressed.
Cornerback (6)
Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, Justin Walley, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon
This is a well-put-together position group from the top of the depth chart to the bottom.
Safety (5)
Cam Bynum, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, Hunter Wohler, Reuben Lowery
Special teams (3)
Rigoberto Sanchez, Blake Grupe, Luke Rhodes
Grupe and Spencer Shrader will presumably be competing for the kicking job. For now, I'll go with Grupe since he has more experience and isn't coming off a major injury.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Predicting Colts 53-man roster after latest moves