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 defensive tackle Eric Johnson. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.
2023 Season Review
In his second season with the Colts as a former fifth-round pick, Johnson played 265 snaps, the fourth-most on the team among defensive tackles.
Johnson was on the field for more run defense snaps and was relied on, along with Taven Bryan, to handle those duties when the team was without Grover Stewart. Johnson would finish the season with four pressures and one sack.
While PFF’s grades are not the be-all-end-all, for what it’s worth, Johnson’s grade against the run was the lowest among 146 eligible defensive tackles. In the first six games last season with Stewart, the Colts allowed just 3.7 yards per rush. However, in the next six without him, they gave up 4.9 yards per carry, according to ESPN.
2024 Season Preview
One of only two outside free agent additions made by the Colts this offseason was signing Raekwon Davis, who will be the third member of the defensive tackle rotation. Davis will provide some needed help against the run when Stewart is off the field, but in Gus Bradley’s defense, the Colts believe there is pass rush production that can be unlocked as well.
For Johnson, and the other defensive tackles not named Stewart or DeForest Buckner, this means that there may only be one roster spot up for grabs. At least where we stand right now, making the final roster could be an uphill battle for Johnson.
He will be competing with Bryan, who has more experience and could make a greater impact this season in a more pass rush specific role, as well as Adetomiwa Adebawore, who was a 2023 fourth-round pick by the Colts. Indianapolis would also select Jonah Laulu in the seventh-round of this year’s draft.
From the defensive end position, we may also see Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo taking some snaps inside as well.
Where Johnson can try to distinguish himself from the others is with his ability to contribute on special teams, and as a run defender, where teams are almost always looking for additional help.