Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.
Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.
I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.
2023 Season Review
Cleveland joined the Colts’ practice squad in mid-October of last season and didn’t see any regular season snaps with the team. A former 2020 seventh-round pick by Denver, Cleveland bounced back and forth between the practice squad and active roster during his first three seasons with the Broncos.
Cleveland began 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was waived prior to roster cutdowns and would then join the Colts a few months later.
With the Broncos from 2020-2022, Cleveland caught eight of his 15 targets for 91 yards, lining up primarily on the boundary. He also played 319 special teams snaps during that span and, at times, handled kick return duties as well, averaging 21.0 yards per return on 12 attempts.
2024 Season Preview
With the additions of AD Mitchell and Anthony Gould in the draft, the Colts’ wide receiver room quickly became somewhat crowded. Between the two rookies, along with Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, there are likely five roster spots already accounted for.
If the Colts go heavy and keep a sixth wide receiver, one would think that Ashton Dulin will be the favorite to win that role. During his time with the Colts, Dulin has been a core special teams contributor, not to mention that GM Chris Ballard has spoken highly of his reliability if needed on offense.
According to Sumer Sports, nearly 96 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps last season came with three or fewer receivers on the field. This means that keeping six receivers may not be necessary, but if Shane Steichen does go that route, special teams play—where Cleveland does have experience—will be crucial in determining that roster spot.
Depending on how Cleveland performs this summer, he could be a prime practice squad candidate.