A potential logjam at the cornerback position for the Indianapolis Colts could lead to some difficult decisions when it comes time to put together the 53-man roster.

This was a position group that GM Chris Ballard added to heavily this past offseason. In part, improved play from this unit was very much needed, but also, in Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, there is going to be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, both in terms of how deep that rotation goes and what those players are asked to do.

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So with that, we saw Ballard sign Charvarius Ward and Corey Ballentine in free agency, along with drafting Justin Walley in the third round.

What we know right now is that Ward will be starting at one of the outside positions, and Kenny Moore will be in the nickel. But that outside spot opposite of Ward is up for grabs, along with potentially a roster spot on the back end of the depth chart as well.

When it comes to that starting role, Anarumo has said that ultimately, he is looking for consistency. As far as how many cornerbacks the Colts will keep on their 53-man roster, could they go heavy and keep seven?

Ward, Moore, JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, Walley, Samuel Womack, and Ballentine account for seven potential roster spots. But keeping an extra cornerback means going light at another position. Not to say that can’t happen, but it’s part of the roster equation.

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However, if the Colts decide to go the more traditional route and keep six, then who is the odd man out?

After how Brents’ first two seasons have unfolded, staying healthy is the big thing for him right now, as Shane Steichen said.

If he’s able to do that, then the conversation likely swings to choosing between Womack or Ballentine. With Ballentine being a free agent addition, it would be odd to cut him before the season even begins. But having said that, it’s important to note that Womack is still just 26 years old while Ballentine is nearing his age-30 season, and the role for each of these players is probably going to come as core special teams contributors.

So, from a roster-building standpoint, it oftentimes makes more sense to keep the younger, higher-upside player in Womack, particularly when it comes to back-end roster decisions. And of note, if the Colts were to release him, the dead cap hit is only $482,500, per Over the Cap.

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Now, having explained all of that, admittedly, there were a lot of ifs. How Womack and Ballentine perform, and Brents’ availability during training camp and the preseason will ultimately be the deciding factors.

But this cornerback position group has quickly been reshaped, and with that could come some difficult roster decisions down the road.

“That competition there is great,” said Anarumo of the cornerback position. “But you’ve got to be consistent. I don’t want a lot of ups and downs, especially at that position. I want to know what we’re going to get week in and week out.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster: Difficult decisions at CB coming down the road?