The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to return from their summer break on July 28 for training camp, barring any changes. We will be previewing the majority of the roster as the summer progresses.
Name: Denico Autry
Position: DT (3-tech)
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 285
Age: 29
Free Agent Year: 2021
Background
Signing a three-year deal with the Colts during the 2018 offseason, Autry enters the final year of that contract. He had a strong season in 2018 when he led the defense with 9.0 sacks, earning himself Pro Bowl consideration. His production plummeted in 2019, however, recording just 3.5 sacks as the team’s primary three-technique.
Expected Role
With the addition of DeForest Buckner, the role that Autry sees will be far less involved than it has been Even so, he will be working as the backup defensive tackle behind Buckner but also should see an increase on the edge behind Justin Houston and Kemoko Turay. The Colts didn’t add to that part of the defensive line this offseason so they are likely planning on using his versatility more often in 2020.
2020 Outlook
Autry has been a solid defender for the Colts in two seasons even despite his down 2019. He should continue to work in the rotation on the interior, especially since the Colts like to keep all of their pass rushers fresh. Autry should also see more work on the edge this season, which bodes well for his snap count during the 2020 campaign.
But the 29-year-old shouldn’t be expected to return to his Pro-Bowl caliber form of 2018. The limited work will keep him from putting up dominant numbers even if it might lead to him being a more efficient pass rusher. The Colts will need all of their pass rushers to step up in 2020 and while it might be in a more limited role, Autry will be involved.
Bottom Line
In a contract year, Autry will be looking to prove that his 2019 campaign was more of an outlier. He will have to fight for his snaps both on the interior and the edge and while the Colts will certainly keep him in the rotation, he will be working behind one of the best interior pass rushers in Buckner this season.