The Indianapolis Colts released their third unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason finale with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.
Not surprisingly, there weren’t any changes between last week’s depth chart and this one. With the depth chart not being official, I’m sure the team feels little need to provide updates on where key positional battles stand.
With the depth chart being unofficial, we do need to take it with a grain of salt. However, here are some quick notes about what stands out from it.
For the full unofficial depth chart, click here.
Dalton Tucker is the backup right guard. On the depth chart, that role is listed as Tucker OR Josh Sills–but the team released Sills on Monday. Tucker has worked exclusively at left guard with the second team offense in the preseason, and surrendered just one pressure in pass protection. He is competing with Danny Pinter for the final roster spot. Pinter is listed with Tanor Bortolini as the backup left guard and center. Pinter has experience and added versatility, while Tucker has upside.
It is still AD Mitchell OR Alec Pierce at receiver. Mitchell has been coming on strong as of late, but based on the reports we’ve heard out of training camp, Pierce has been the more steady presence. Ultimately, someone will be named a starter but regardless of who that is, both will see playing time this season. Perhaps someone emerges as the season goes on, but early on, the term “starter” when discussing Pierce vs. Mitchell feels a bit irrelevant.
What about tight end? Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson are listed as the starters, and with both sitting out against Arizona, I would say that’s pretty accurate. The backup blocking tight end is listed as Drew Ogletree, and Granson’s backup is Jelani Woods over Will Mallory, but again, I’m not sure there’s a ton we can glean from that. If the Colts keep just four tight ends, it feels like it’s Woods vs. Mallory for that last spot.
Tyler Goodson is ahead of Evan Hull at running back. This is how the two have been listed all of training camp. Both are coming off very good games against Arizona and based on what’s happened on the field, the battle for RB3 feels too close to call from the outside looking in. Perhaps what Hull has to his advantage is being a recent draft pick. Something to consider is which of the two running back is more likely to make it to the practice squad without being claimed, because then the Colts would keep the other on the roster. However, with Trey Sermon injured, the Colts could explore keeping four running backs initially if he’s going to miss time.
Darrell Baker is Jaylon Jones’ backup. However, while that may be the case, making the roster is still an uphill battle. With Jones, JuJu Brents, and Kenny Moore starting, and Dallis Flowers ahead of Baker, that’s already four cornerbacks on the roster. Micah Abraham or Chris Lammons will be Moore’s backup–so that’s five spots. And then there is rookie Jaylin Simpson, who needs time to develop, but as flashed and is versatile. So even though Baker is listed as a backup, he may be the odd man out on the final roster.
Chris Lammons is ahead of Abraham. There will be some up and down play as is the case for any Day 3 rookie, but givcn Abraham’s ball skills, the splash plays he’s made, and his willingness to make tackles, my guess that if roster cuts were happening today, it would be Lammons who is let go. Also of note, when teams are filling out the back end of the depth chart, they’re much more willing to roster upside and potential (Abraham) over a veteran presence (Lammons).
Tyquan Lewis and Kwity Paye starting at defensive end. This is what we saw in the preseason game against Denver. During early downs or obvious running situations, we are likely to see Lewis on the field ahead of Laiatu Latu. However, in passing situations, Latu will be out there and if he continues to be as disruptive as he’s been, regardless of the situations, he’s going to see the field.