INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts made a handful of big splashes in free agency and, of course, added eight rookies in a draft haul that provided more rotational depth than instant impact to the starting lineup, at least outside of Tyler Warren, the team’s first-round pick. Here is a look at the projected depth chart and roster as training camp opens.

(*-rookie)

Quarterbacks (3)

Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard*

Analysis: The addition of Leonard does not change the open competition for the starting spot — when Richardson is healthy after a recurrence of his shoulder injury — but it remains the most important piece to the Colts’ 2025 season. Whoever wins the job must provide a steady upgrade in play at the quarterback position for Indianapolis to have a chance.

Running backs (3)

Jonathan Taylor, D.J. Giddens*, Khalil Herbert

Analysis: The Colts have overhauled their depth behind Taylor, upgrading in two spots to give themselves better options to spell the team’s best offensive player and provide insurance in case Taylor misses time due to injury. Giddens is the most interesting piece; the rookie from Kansas State might be able to play the role of a true third-down back if he improves his pass protection.

Wide receiver (6)

Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould

Analysis: As long as Pittman is fully recovered from the fractured back that plagued him throughout the 2024 season, the Colts have a good mix at wide receiver, although the receivers themselves need stability at the quarterback position to fully reach their potential.

Tight end (4)

Tyler Warren*, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory

Analysis: Warren instantly transforms the tight end position in Indianapolis, and his presence could make any of the three returning tight ends expendable at the end of training camp in favor of another position, depending on special teams. A three-down player who can be used in a variety of different roles, Warren will get the Colts out of the committee approach they’ve used at the position in the past.

Offensive line (9)

Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Jalen Travis*, Danny Pinter, Blake Freeland, Dalton Tucker

Analysis: The Colts are likely counting on a pair of 2024 draft picks, Bortolini and Goncalves, to step into the shoes of departed starters Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, allowing Indianapolis to weather the loss of two interior players. If Bortolini or Goncalves struggles, offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. will have to get creative with unproven depth up front.

Defensive end (5)

Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, J.T. Tuimoloau*, Tyquan Lewis

Analysis: The drafting of Tuimoloau bolsters a position that faced uncertainty with the loss of Dayo Odeyingbo and the injury return of Ebukam, a player the Colts are hoping can play at or near the level he played in 2023, his first season in Indianapolis. If the defensive end position is going to take a big step forward, though, the pressure rests on the shoulders of Latu, who was drafted to be a difference-making pass rusher off the edge.  

Defensive tackle (5)

DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Neville Gallimore, Tim Smith*, Adetomiwa Adebawore

Analysis: Buckner and Stewart remain stalwarts inside for the Indianapolis defense, but there are once again concerns about what happens if one of the big two go down with an injury. Indianapolis needs Gallimore or Adebawore to play above their previous level in the NFL.

Linebacker (5)

Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Liam Anderson

Analysis: Linebacker becomes the biggest hole on the roster in the wake of a draft that failed to produce a potential starter. Rookie safety Hunter Wohler can help, particularly in the dime, but the Colts are betting heavily on Carlies to take a huge step forward.

Cornerback (6)

Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, Justin Walley*, JuJu Brents, Corey Ballentine

Analysis: An overhauled cornerback position ends up leaving Samuel Womack III, a revelation last season who started eight games for the Colts at cornerback, on the outside of the picture. Ward was signed to be the team’s No. 1 outside, and the drafting of Walley gives the Colts a player who has Womack’s versatility but possesses a lot more athleticism, making the rookie a more versatile chess piece for Anarumo.

Safety (4)

Camryn Bynum, Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Hunter Wohler*

Analysis: Indianapolis paid big money to Bynum in order to get the experienced, dynamic veteran safety that has often formed the backbone of Anarumo’s defense, and the Colts believe Nick Cross is an ascending player at strong safety. Wohler is an interesting piece; Indianapolis initially listed the rookie as a linebacker, but Ballard said Wohler’s position will be a lot like it was at Wisconsin, where he played all over the back seven.

Specialists (3)

K Spencer Shrader, P Rigoberto Sanchez, LS Luke Rhodes

Analysis: Another key training-camp battle will take place between Shrader and undrafted free agent Maddux Trujillo, a kicker with a big leg from Temple who will have a chance to unseat the favorite.

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