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: Jordan Wilkins
Position: RB
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 216
Age: 25
Free Agent Year: 2022
Background
Wilkins was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 draft along with Nyheim Hines to give the Colts a solid trio in the backfield. Though he hasn’t seen a whole lot of time working in an extensive role during his two seasons with the Colts, Wilkins has been an effective runner in spurts.
In his two seasons, Wilkins has taken 111 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He has been a solid depth piece for the backfield, but his 2020 outlook is intriguing to say the least.
Expected Role
Wilkins is expected to be the RB4 in the running back room. The depth chart already has two starters on early downs in Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor. There’s no competition there outside of those two splitting the work at the top. Then Nyheim Hines is virtually locked for a pass-catching role on third downs and even in some two-back sets. This doesn’t leave Wilkins with a whole lot of playing time. If the Colts want to keep four running backs, Wilkins will most likely be a healthy scratch if those three ahead of him are healthy.
2020 Outlook
Wilkins has been a strong depth asset for the Colts and has even shown to be explosive when given the chance. But with Taylor, Mack and Hines all ahead of him on the depth chart, the Ole Miss product won’t see much work. There is even the chance that Wilkins is on the roster bubble when the cut-down day arrives.
While it might be hard to hear, the Colts may not have the luxury of carrying four running backs. If they are already carrying three quarterbacks, a fullback and because their desire is to always have offensive line depth, the fourth spot in the running back room could be a casualty. Now, that’s all speculation right now and it could wind up not being the case as the Colts typically carry four backs on the active roster. But it’s at least something to think about.
Bottom Line
Wilkins is a good running back. He’s a smooth runner with excellent balance and strong vision. But right now, he’s the RB4 in a backfield that has three solidified roles ahead of him. At best, he’s a healthy scratch each week waiting to see time due to injury. At worst, he doesn’t make the cut because the Colts need depth at other positions and can’t carry four running backs.