After missing out on the playoffs once again in 2024, Indianapolis Colts’ GM Chris Ballard took a much more aggressive approach to roster building this offseason, which included splurging in free agency by bringing in Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward.
This was a far cry from what we saw from Ballard a year ago, when he prioritized continuity and keeping the 2023 roster together, which as we know, was also a team that missed the playoffs. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Ballard called that roster construction approach a “mistake.”
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So, in what feels like a now-or-never season for the Colts under Ballard’s guidance, which position groups have improved the most? Here are three of them.
Cornerback
Along with adding Ward to the cornerback room, the Colts also bolstered the depth of this unit by signing veteran Corey Ballentine in free agency and then used a top 100 pick on Justin Walley. Very quickly, the outlook of this position for the Colts has changed quite drastically.
Ward will be starting at one of the outside positions, with Kenny Moore primarily lining up in the slot. That then leaves one starting spot open, opposite of Ward, and there will be a lot of competition for that role with Walley, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and perhaps others, all competing for that playing time.
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Beyond Ward’s production, his skill set and ability to be left on an island make him a very good fit for Lou Anarumo’s more aggressive scheme, while many have heaped high praise on Walley and his performance during offseason programs.
Safety
The addition of Bynum brings versatility and much-needed ball skills to the back end of this Colts’ defense. Over the last two seasons, Bynum has logged five interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
While most of his snaps have come as a free safety, Bynum is comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage, helping out in the run game, and blitzing when needed. As Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell pointed out earlier this offseason, Bynum can operate in man and zone coverages as well.
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That do-it-all skill set makes him an ideal fit for Anarumo’s scheme, where disguising coverages is a must and in order to do that effectively, you need players who can handle a variety of roles. Also, with Bynum’s background as a cornerback, he’s comfortable operating in space and patrolling the deep part of the field on his own–which is something else we will see more of this season.
Tight end
The Colts got their much-needed passing game presence at the tight end position when they drafted Tyler Warren, who has already been quite active during OTAs and minicamp, regardless of who the quarterback has been.
As Ballard described after the draft, Warren can be a big threat over the middle of the field. But in addition to his contributions in the passing game, Warren is also a very capable blocker and versatile, able to line up across the formation. When an offense has that well-rounded presence at tight end, it adds a level of unpredictability, with that player able to fill a variety of roles.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What position groups for the Colts improved the most this offseason?