{"time":1778515297375,"blocks":[{"id":"mp18yb7s","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0/mp4","caption":"Locked On Colts discusses which Indianapolis Colts undrafted rookie has the best shot at making the Week 1 roster.","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/8f4794b2-22e8-4093-9695-22cb06ad20c0/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"RyVslGovi0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Indianapolis Colts' roster has undergone profound change over the course of this offseason, with several longtime veterans exiting, and new competition brought in through free agency and the recent 2026 NFL Draft."}},{"id":"4indhbAaZE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Now that the Colts have added eight draft picks and another 12 undrafted free agents, it's time to take another look at the team's roster and see what the key competitions are at each position."}},{"id":"4CFR7Q2u3S","type":"header","data":{"text":"QUARTERBACK","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"_Y5sx9s9DX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson Sr., Seth Henigan
Key Battle: Leonard vs. Richardson"}},{"id":"6RHD7CZW-K","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jones has been able to participate in the Colts' offseason program, but is not yet fully ready to return. In the meantime, Leonard and Richardson are getting reps (although coaches won't divulge what the workload looks like). While Richardson is on the trade block, the mentality is that, if he's with the team, he's competing for a spot."}},{"id":"lQ0-riED7R","type":"header","data":{"text":"RUNNING BACK","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"C5KSXKKn_0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan, Ulysses Bentley IV, Lincoln Pare, Jordon Vaughn
Key Battle: Giddens vs. McGowan"}},{"id":"88rKXJMTYZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Colts drafted McGowan in the seventh round this April after taking Giddens in the fifth round last year. Giddens had very little impact as a rookie, playing 70 offensive snaps and zero on special teams, which led to him often being a healthy scratch on gamedays. McGowan doesn't have much special teams experience either, but is a more physical, decisive runner than Giddens. The Colts will try to get both involved on special teams throughout the offseason and training camp so that both have a fair shot at being Taylor's primary backup."}},{"id":"Rk1MTRXKCv","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiverNickWestbrook-Ikhine(15) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images ","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/04f5220e-9acf-4518-9572-bd3103dbc3a6.jpeg","width":5296,"height":4010}}},{"id":"RccKHoyIk9","type":"header","data":{"text":"WIDE RECEIVER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"C68iP3IZbt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, Anthony Gould, Deion Burks, Coleman Owen, Eli Pancol, E.J. Horton Jr., Sahmir Hagans, Raylen Sharpe
Key Battle: Dulin vs. Westbrook-Ikhine vs. Burks"}},{"id":"ug2BwAoXgd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Pierce and Downs are unquestionably the top two receivers, but the rest is likely to be addressed by committee. Dulin has been around for head coach Shane Steichen's entire tenure and has always had at least a minimal role, so he's likely to be the priority. Big-bodied Westbrook-Ikhine also adds value as a willing blocker and downfield threat. The team is also excited about seventh-rounder Burks, whom they're surprised got to them so late. Burks may be competing with Gould for a singular spot on the roster."}},{"id":"hRDUbvCyqi","type":"header","data":{"text":"TIGHT END","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"G1FUScmA3D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, Sean McKeon, Carson Towt
Key Battle: Mallory vs. A Roster Spot"}},{"id":"2_9Y6DElUr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Good luck to anyone other than Warren, Alie-Cox, and Ogletree trying to get snaps at tight end. Mallory may make the roster as a fourth tight end, but he rarely sees the field unless someone above him has been injured. Towt is a multi-year project who is playing football for the first time after a basketball career. He's likely a lock for the practice squad."}},{"id":"pHKFTnV1T6","type":"header","data":{"text":"OFFENSIVE TACKLE","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"DyKribnR5D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bernhard Raimann, Jalen Travis, Luke Tenuta, Blake Freeland, Bayron Matos, Nolan Rucci
Key Battle: Tenuta vs. Freeland vs. Matos vs. Rucci vs. Farmer"}},{"id":"J1HYzGBzZ1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There's no clear option for the Colts' swing tackle, so it's likely to be a pretty open competition. Tenuta and Freeland are the returning vets who has playing experience. Rucci and Farmer and the rookie wild cards, and Matos is a practice squad vet who could sneakily factor in."}},{"id":"IIad-Ngmp0","type":"header","data":{"text":"GUARD","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"UFYtlSaIY-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Quenton Nelson, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Farmer, Josh Sills, LaDarius Henderson
Key Battle: Goncalves vs. Farmer"}},{"id":"692k8qRGDl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Colts weren't really in a position to replace Goncalves in the starting lineup, but Farmer was a player they loved in the draft. If he has a great summer, then they may have no choice but to play their five best players, which could put Farmer over Goncalves."}},{"id":"Nq0oROAovb","type":"header","data":{"text":"CENTER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"2C17vjRbKE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tanor Bortolini, Dalton Tucker, Jimmy Morrissey, Geno VanDeMark
Key Battle: Tucker vs. Morrissey"}},{"id":"nPl9-ba8Wg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tucker comes from the guard group and into the center bucket now, as the numbers make the most sense there. Tucker had practice reps throughout last season to prepare for this opportunity, but Morrissey also spent a good bit of time with the Colts last year and is naturally a center."}},{"id":"EYP13ORP8M","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Dec 1, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebackerArdenKey(49) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images ","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dfe2186b-d21e-4d1c-9b2f-4a6f8b2c272c.jpeg","width":4694,"height":3131}}},{"id":"I-uhWESeHh","type":"header","data":{"text":"DEFENSIVE END","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"YXoDINC6CI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs Jr., Caden Curry, Durell Nchami, Mitchell Melton
Key Battle: Key vs. Tuimoloau"}},{"id":"uH8s0Wk-Y2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There's still not much clarity as to who will start at end opposite of Latu, but it's likely to be either Tuimoloau or Key. The Colts could go with the more natural fit of a strong side end with Tuimoloau, if he's added strength during the offseason, or the better, more polished overall pass rusher in Key. Gumbs and Curry were both added in the draft, but may not factor into the rotation much as rookies."}},{"id":"A0Kck8yymi","type":"header","data":{"text":"DEFENSIVE TACKLE","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"q1OP8A-Pgs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Colby Wooden, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, Tim Smith, Cam Ball
Key Battle: Nnadi vs. Tillery vs. Smith vs. Ball"}},{"id":"t9KsqOJ_Ae","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Colts need someone to step up behind Grover Stewart and be an appealing backup one-tech. Nnadi and Tillery are two veterans whose best days are likely behind them, and Smith and Ball are the young competitors. Smith spent last season on the practice squad after being a sixth-round pick. Ball is a promising undrafted rookie."}},{"id":"ktJLFE317x","type":"header","data":{"text":"LINEBACKER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"bf62Ez2M08","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"CJ Allen, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Bryce Boettcher, Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies, Devin Veresuk, West Weeks, Tahj Chambers
Key Battle: Boettcher vs. Davis-Gaither"}},{"id":"E1hBywS2PX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In all likelihood, the Colts would be most comfortable with Davis-Gaither starting next to Allen so that there's a veteran presence next to a rookie who has a lot on his place. Still, they love Boettcher, and if he's clearly the better player, than they may have no choice than to play him more. Weeks is an undrafted rookie to keep an eye on."}},{"id":"49X6ayz8Xq","type":"header","data":{"text":"CORNERBACK","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"YfVS0OueWU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Justin Walley, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, Cameron Mitchell, Jaylon Jones, Rob Carter Jr., Wyett Ekeler
Key Battle: Taylor-Britt vs. Blackmon vs. Edwards"}},{"id":"ItFupf-j3g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Taylor-Britt is attempting to revive his career after tumbling out of Cincinnati. If he plays well, he has a track record of good football in his career, and a history with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. On the other side, Edwards is a height/weight/speed player who showed a lot of promise last year as a rookie. Plus, the Colts invested a sixth-round draft pick through trade for Blackmon."}},{"id":"06Y8MBkzRS","type":"image","data":{"caption":"SafetyAJHaulcy13 interception as LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Mandatory Credot: SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4109cfe6-dc99-4032-bc2b-511b5c6668ac.jpeg","width":3000,"height":2143}}},{"id":"9dwkZ80vvo","type":"header","data":{"text":"SAFETY","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"-vXbItdiuw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Cam Bynum, A.J. Haulcy, Hunter Wohler, Juanyeh Thomas, Jonathan Owens, Reuben Lowery III, Daniel Scott, Trey Washington, Austin Brown, Ben Nikkel
Key Battle: Haulcy vs. Wohler"}},{"id":"QcFXlapE3W","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Colts were ecstatic about their addition of Haulcy in the draft, but they also had big plans for Wohler last year before a foot injury claimed his rookie season before it began. Regardless of who starts alongside Bynum, they'll both have a significant role, but this should be one of the more entertaining battles throughout camp, as both Haulcy and Wohler are hard-hitting playmakers."}},{"id":"-WSckJPGba","type":"header","data":{"text":"KICKER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"SZimbQaIM7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Blake Grupe, Spencer Shrader
Key Battle: Grupe vs. Shrader"}},{"id":"hC0s2GzhEh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Colts lost Shrader to a knee injury after five games last year, and after struggling through seven games of Michael Badgley, the Colts replaced him with Grupe. Shrader and Grupe gave the Colts 10 games of outstanding kicking, as they combined to miss just one kick between field goals and extra points. Shrader is now healthy enough to kick, and the Colts re-signed Grupe this offseason, so a competition will ensue throughout training camp."}},{"id":"y2ygJZxKgm","type":"header","data":{"text":"PUNTER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"SBrfKz1KGA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rigoberto Sanchez
Key Battle: None"}},{"id":"QyafafJgdw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sanchez is a solid punter and sets new career-bests each season."}},{"id":"5He8xs4vw3","type":"header","data":{"text":"LONG SNAPPER","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"m8K29CrcrQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Luke Rhodes
Key Battle: None"}},{"id":"KEBaR6pj7I","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rhodes is as clean as they come as a long snapper. Just last week, special teams coordinator Brian Mason gushed to reporters about the luxury of having Rhodes, calling it \"unbelievable.\""}}],"version":"2.31.5"}

Colts Going International Once Again in Week 4 NFC Matchup