With the offseason, along with OTAs and minicamp now behind us, who were the biggest winners on this Indianapolis Colts’ roster?

With the offseason, along with OTAs and minicamp now behind us, who were the biggest winners on this Indianapolis Colts’ roster?

Defining who “won” this offseason can be done in a few different ways. It can be accomplished by a player taking advantage of the opportunities that come their way, or in the impact that an offseason addition or departure has on the rest of the roster.

We explore each of those avenues as we look back at how the last few months have unfolded for the Colts. And, of course, the caveat here is that just because someone was a “winner” in the offseason, it doesn’t mean they will be in training camp.

Here are six winners from the Indianapolis Colts‘ offseason.

WR AD Mitchell

By all accounts, it was an impressive showing for second-year wideout AD Mitchell. The talent and ability that Mitchell has to create separation have been evident since Day 1. However, what was lacking last season was consistency–both in terms of catching the ball and being on the same page with the quarterback.

But during OTAs and minicamp, Mitchell seemed to find that consistency, and with that, there will be more opportunities that come his way.

“AD’s had an exciting start to the offseason,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “He’s really been playing good football out there. Getting open, making catches.”

QB Daniel Jones

We can start with the contract Jones received in free agency. While it’s only a one-year deal, Jones’ average annual value of $14 million ranks 22nd in the NFL for the 2025 season, despite him coming off a season where he was benched and then released by New York.

From a football perspective, Jones was able to take most of the first-team reps during OTAs, and all of minicamp with Anthony Richardson sidelined, and he was able to capitalize on those opportunities.

“Very pleased with what we got right now,” Shane Steichen said of Jones’ play, via Locked on Colts. “He’s been doing a hell of a job. Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly. Making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously want to carry that over to training camp, but he’s done a really good job. Great command of the huddle, ultimate pro.”

Jones’ performance in late May and early June won’t win him the quarterback job, but those extra reps help as he learns a new offense, and he now perhaps has the advantage going into training camp.

The Colts’ pass rush

In terms of pressures and sacks last season, the Colts ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in both categories. However, not helping the defensive front was the secondary, specifically the often soft coverage that unit played with, which allowed opponents to pick them apart with the quick game. For just about any pass rush unit, if the ball is out in under 2.5 seconds, getting home regularly becomes a tall task.

But with the additions of Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward in free agency, the duo should provide much-improved play on the back-end. Also, with Lou Anarumo calling plays, we will see a more aggressive and disguise-heavy Colts’ defense. Add all of that together, and that should help create additional time for the pass rush to get to the quarterback.

OL Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves

With the Colts moving on from Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, that set up clear paths for Bortolini and Goncalves to move into starting roles this season.

Now, while those two are the presumed starters at center and right guard, as offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has described, both will still be competing for those starting roles.

When called upon as a rookie, Bortolini was able to hold his own at center. Goncalves, meanwhile, is making a position change by moving inside, but as Sparano recalled, Goncalves practiced at guard last season and improved as the year went on.

CB Justin Walley

It doesn’t matter who you ask, whether it’s Shane Steichen, Lou Anarumo, or Charvarius Ward, all have been impressed with rookie cornerback Justin Walley.

“He’s shown me he can be a dog,” Ward said of Walley. “He can cover real well. He has some rookie mistakes, obviously he’s a young guy, but he’s been competing with all the big dogs on offense. I think he got that it factor in him. He confident in himself. He not scared. He don’t act like a rookie all the time, he playing like a vet, got his head on straight. I’ve been proud of him so far, for sure.”

What drew the Colts to Walley during the pre-draft process was his 4.4 speed, uber-competitiveness, instincts, and he’s a very good fit for Anarumo’s defense.

Walley’s speed can help make up for his lack of size and allows for him to be comfortable playing on an island, which we will see more of from the cornerbacks under Anarumo. Along with all that, he had good ball production in college, and the Colts view him as someone who can play inside and out, with that versatility being an important element in Anarumo’s disguise-heavy scheme.

Walley, along with Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and others, are competing for the starting cornerback role opposite of Ward. And from the sounds of it, Walley has made a very strong initial impression.