Some surprises, otherwise, not so much... as this first unofficial depth chart remains fully fluid with camp ongoing.
The Indianapolis Colts unveiled their first unofficial depth chart of training camp ahead of the team’s preseason opening Thursday night road game against the Baltimore Ravens.
There were a few quick hits to take note of:
OFFENSE
- The starting quarterback is listed as either of Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson Sr., the only position on the Colts unofficial depth chart to designate such an “OR.”
- 3rd down receiving back Tyler Goodson is currently listed ahead of rookie D.J. Giddens in the backfield pecking order.
- 2nd-year pro Tanor Bortolini is listed as the starting center ahead of top challenger Danny Pinter, replacing longtime veteran center Ryan Kelly.
- The same is true for 2nd-year swing-tackle Matt Goncalves, who’s currently listed as the starting right guard ahead of another 2nd-year pro Dalton Tucker—only he’s filling the shoes of departed starting right guard Will Fries (*also to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency).
- Top rookie Colts’ pick Tyler Warren is the TE1. Former Colts’ 2022 3rd round pick Jelani Woods, returning from a consecutive season-ending injury, is 5th on the depth chart now behind 2023 5th round pick Will Mallory, who’s initially flashed in training camp.
DEFENSE
- At RDE, former Colts’ 2024 first round pick Laiatu Latu is currently listed as the starter ahead of veteran Samson Ebukam, who’s returning from a season-ending torn Achilles. Both edges project to play a prominent role on the Colts d-line rotationally regardless, but my initial thought was Ebukam may be the starter for run-stopping purposes in a bit of a platoon.
- At the starting Will linebacker spot, Brandon McGrone is listed as the starter ahead of 2nd-year pro Jayln Carlies, who remains the frontrunner to eventually win the job outright.
- Impressive rookie 3rd round pick Justin Walley is the projected starter right now at outside RCB opposite Charvarius Ward, even ahead of returning starter Jaylon Jones. Both Jones and former 2023 2nd round pick JuJu Brents have been recently out with hamstring injuries.
- Rookie 7th round pick Hunter Wohler is listed as the top backup strong safety behind Nick Cross ahead of backup Daniel Scott, who’s missed consecutive seasons with key injuries.
SPECIAL TEAMS
- 2nd-year kicker Spencer Shrader is listed as the starter at placekicker ahead of undrafted rookie free agent Maddux Trujillo. Otherwise, no real surprises with this unit collectively.
LASTING THOUGHTS
No major revelations largely here, although I fully expect both rookie running back D.J. Giddens to win the primary backup running back job behind star workhorse Jonathan Taylor, and 2nd-year pro linebacker Jaylon Carlies to eventually best out McGrone by the time training camp wraps up. It’s about making the young players fully earn it.
There have been some rookie performances with Tyler Warren and Justin Walley that have already spoken for themselves and been too hard to ignore early on.
If you ask me today,...
Stampede Blue
