The Indianapolis Colts signed several undrafted free agents this spring. Who has the best chance of sticking on the roster when the regular season arrives?
The Indianapolis Colts will have some intriguing position battles this summer at training camp. Strong safety and WILL linebacker quickly come to mind, as well as key backup spots at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
However, one of the most overlooked positions on a yearly roster, let alone the Colts' battle this year, is at swing tackle.
Currently, veterans Luke Tenuta and Blake Freeland are considered the front-runners, but the Colts are optimistic about another pair of young players who could shake things up: undrafted rookie Nolan Rucci and Bayron Matos.
"We got some young tackles in the mix as well that we've added that I'm excited about," Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. said this offseason. "Nolan Rucci is a dude I'm excited about. Bayron Matos is working really hard. I'm excited about him. So, we've got some really talented tackles in the building."
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport identified one undrafted rookie from every team who has the best shot at making the roster, and for the Colts, he chose Rucci.
"The Indianapolis Colts have been as good as any team in the NFL at developing talent on the offensive line, and after watching Braden Smith depart in free agency, there will be a new right tackle in 2026," Davenport wrote. "That starter isn't going to be Penn State's Nolan Rucci. But B/R's Brandon Thorn graded the 6'8" 305-pounder as a fifth-round talent this year.
"'Rucci is a broad-framed, athletic offensive tackle with fluid pass-set movement, effective combo-and-climb ability and pedigree/bloodlines supporting an upside-leaning projection,' Thorn said.
"Rucci could stand to add some weight, and he could also use time in an NFL weight room," Davenport continued. "But he has the frame to add mass, and given the Colts' record of finding value up front, it wouldn't be surprising to see him become a capable swing tackle in relatively short order."
As Davenport cited from Thorn's pre-draft evaluation of Rucci, he had a draftable Day 3 grade, so making the roster as an undrafted rookie would not be farfetched. That's especially with the Colts, who went over 20 consecutive years with a UDFA making the regular-season roster.
Rucci (6'8", 314, 23 years old) transferred to Penn State (2024-25) from Wisconsin (2021-23), starting 18 career games at right tackle. His chances of earning the Colts' swing tackle role are just about as good as anyone currently on the Colts' roster.
Tenuta has played 35 total snaps in the NFL since 2022. Freeland suffered a broken lower leg last summer and last played sparingly in 2024. Matos has yet to see the field.
Rucci may very well be the Colts' undrafted rookie with the best shot at the regular-season roster.
Other Colts rookie UDFAs to watch out for: defensive tackle Cam Ball, linebacker West Weeks, and safety Austin Brown.
