It is almost football season so here are my predictions for the Colts roster and how the team will do this season.
QB
Starter: Andrew Luck
Quarterback is one of the few positions the Colts are set at for years to come, Andrew Luck is one of the best young QB's today and he's only going to get better.
Backup: Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck has been a great veteran presence for Andrew Luck the past few seasons, and he has been pretty good when called upon as well.
Others: Bryan Bennett
Bryan Bennett was signed as a UDFA out of Southeastern Louisiana, the Colts are set at QB so I don't see him making the roster or practice squad. He has experience in the secondary so maybe if nobody wants him, he could switch positions.
RB
Starter: Frank Gore
Andrew Luck finally has a running back who will help carry the load, Frank Gore is a very good running back who has ran over 1000 yards in 8 of the past 10 seasons, and he will be a valuable weapon in the offense.
Backups: Dan Herron, Josh Robinson, Tyler Varga
What do Dan Herron, Josh Robinson, and Vick Ballard all have in common? They aren't Trent Richardson. Last season when Ahmad Bradshaw got hurt and Trent was underproducing Dan "Boom" Herron was able to step up and be the starting RB, and while he did struggle with fumbles he was a decent starter and should be the #2 RB, Josh Robinson was drafted this year out of Mississippi State and he has been compared to Frank Gore as both are power running backs. The 4th spot was between Tyler Varga and Vick Ballard, I went with Varga because he can contribute at fullback in case the Colts ever want to use one, though they just usually use Jack Doyle as a halfback. He can also contribute better on special teams than Ballard can, and Ballard has had his last 2 seasons cut short by knee injuries.
Others: Vick Ballard, Zurlon Tipton, Abou Toure,
I wrote about Vick Ballard in the last paragraph. Zurlon Tipton played with the Colts last season but he wasn't very impressive, in a Trent Richardson sort of way, he was supposed to be a power back but got stopped for 2 or 3 yard gains often. I don't know much about Abou Toure who was signed as an UDFA out of UT Martin, but the Colts have a lot of depth at RB. The Colts may consider putting any of these three guys on the practice squad but I don't see them putting more than one.
WR
Starters: TY Hilton, Andre Johnson
Andrew Luck is finally equipped with an arsenal of weapons that will make him one of the best QB's in the league. He has speed in TY Hilton, and size and veteran experience in Andre Johnson. Andre Johnson can hopefully be what Reggie Wayne was to Luck in his 1st two years in Indianapolis as Johnson has sure hands like Reggie.
Backups: Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Duron Carter
Andrew Luck has the best receiving corps in the league, Donte Moncrief showed flashes of the talent he can be last year and had multiple 30+ yard scores and he may be demoted to fourth receiver because Phillip Dorsett can be even better than Moncrief as he is faster and will probably be the KR and PR which will be an improvement over Griff Whalen and playoff Josh Cribbs. Duron Carter the son of HOFer Chris Carter was a good signing by the Colts but he is a project but he has the potential to be a star in the NFL
Others: Griff Whalen, Vincent Brown, Ryan Lankford, Quan Bray, Ezell Ruffin, Tyler Rutenbeck
Griff Whalen was a tough cut as he is a fan favorite and he has chemistry with Andrew Luck as he played with him at Stanford but he just doesn't standout in any one category. Hopefully he is put on the practice squad. Vincent Brown has experience with the Chargers and Raiders but on this receiver heavy team he probably won't get a spot. I know Colts GM Ryan Grigson really likes Ryan Lankford but again we are reciever heavy and Lankford won't make it this year. I think Bray was on the practice squad at some point last year but I'm not sure but he definitely won't be making the team. Ruffin and Rutenbeck were signed out of San Diego State and Dubuque as UDFA's and they probably won't be making the team.
TE
Starters: Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener
This is Allen and Fleener's 4th season together and they are becoming a top tight end pairing in the league, as they were the first tight end pairing ever to each score 8+ TD's in a season. Both have their weaknesses as Allen tends to get injured a lot and Coby suffers from the drops sometimes but this is a very lethal tandem when they are at their peak.
Backup: Jack Doyle
I see Jack Doyle winning the final tight end spot because he has been a very good blocking tight end the past few seasons and has been effective in the passing game. Since the Colts do not have a fullback he is often used as a halfback as more protection for Andrew Luck.
Others: Erik Swoope, Sean McGrath, Justin Sinz
The Colts want to make Erik Swoope the next Jimmy Graham as he was a basketball player in college and he was on their practice squad last year but I think he may need a little more seasoning on the practice squad before he makes the team. Sean McGrath recently came out of retirement after retiring after spending a few seasons with the Chiefs but he didn't impress much then and I don't see him making the team now. Justin Sinz is an UDFA out of Purdue and I don't see him making the team.
Offensive Line
Starters LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Jack Mewhort C Khaled Holmes RG Todd Herremans RT Joe Reitz
The Colts offensive line has struggled in the past due to injuries and ineffectiveness but they managed to play okay in the playoffs. Anthony Castonzo has done an admirable job at left tackle and is definitely the best player in the offensive line. Jack Mewhort did pretty good last season at LG and the Colts have thought at moving him to RT due to Gosder Cherilus's injuries but I don't think that's a good idea because then the Colts may have two weaknesses, one at LG and another at RT because they don't know how Mewhort would play. The Colts had issues at center last year as Jonathan Harrison played horribly, but Khaled Holmes played well in the playoffs so he should start the year as the starter. The Colts signed longtime Eagles guard Todd Herremans and hopefully he can play RG good as he was injured and ineffective last season. Joe Reitz is a utility offensive lineman who played RT in the playoffs when Gosder was hurt but I think that since he played well in the playoffs he should start the year as the starting RT
Bench G Ben Heenan, T Ulrick John, G Donald Thomas, G Hugh Thornton, C Brandon Vitabile, T Denzelle Good
Ben Heenan was the 1st pick of the CFL draft last year and the Colts signed him, the Colts really need solid backup guards so Heenan deserves a shot at the roster. Ulrick John was the 7th round pick last year who got injured in training camp, I see him beating out Denzelle Good for the final backup tackle spot. Hugh Thornton is not a very good guard who gets injured often as well, so he will probably get relegated to backup. Brandon Vitabile was a UDFA out of Northwestern and I see him beating out Jonathan Harrison because the way Jonathan Harrison played last year any center probably could beat him out. Denzelle Good was our 7th round pick out of Mars Hill and someone who ESPN analysts who do research months in advance had never heard of when he was drafted. Now that the Colts have cut Gosder he should be on the team.
Others David Arkin G, Will Corbin G, Tyler Hoover, G Lance Louis, Jonathan Harrison C
The Colts got David Arkin last season when everyone on the offensive line kept on getting injured, now that everyone's healthy they don't really need him. Will Corbin was an UDFA out of Appalachian State and probably won't make the team. Tyler Hoover was on the practice squad last year and he might be there again this year. Lance Louis should only be used in emergencies and right now the Colts have a pretty healthy offensive line. Jonathan Harrison may have been the Colts worst player last season outside of Trent Richardson because he could not stop the pass or run, got called for too many penalties and had difficulty with hiking the ball at an appropriate time, so he will not make the team.
Defensive Line
Starters: Kendall Langford DE, Josh Chapman NT, Arthur Jones DT
The Colts defensive line has struggled stopping the run in recent years but this is the year it could come together and be successful. Langford was signed this offseason from the Rams where they play in the 4-3 defense and he plays better in the 3-4 defense so he did do as well as he could have last season but a move back to the 3-4 should help him a lot. Josh Chapman needs to do a better job of stopping the run as he has struggled with that in the past so its time for him to step up if he wants to keep his job as the starter because I think if he doesn't David Parry will eventually replace him. Art Jones was injured a lot last year but he was somewhat productive when healthy and the run defense definitely did better with him there.
Backups: Zach Kerr NT, Earl Okine DE, Henry Anderson DE, David Parry DT
Zack Kerr will beat Montori Hughes out for a roster spot because although they are about the same ability he is younger and I believe he has more potential. Earl Okine was another CFL player who excelled and I believe he has the potential to be the next Cameron Wake. Henry Anderson and David Parry both went to Stanford and were drafted this year, they will be fixtures on the defensive line for years to come but they won't start this year.
Others: Montori Hughes DT, Jeris Pendleton DT, Kelcy Quarles DT,
Montori Hughes has not impressed in his first few seasons and I now think it's time for the Colts to move into a different directions. Jeris Pendleton has been on and off the Colts roster for the 1st few seasons and when the season starts he will be off. The Colts signed Kelcy Quarles last season when they had a lot of injuries, and he was called for way too many penalties and isn't someone the Colts need on their roster for next season.
Linebacker
Starters Robert Mathis: OLB, Jerrell Freeman ILB, D'Qwell Jackson ILB, Trent Cole OLB
This is a very veteran linebacker group but has the potential to be very good. Robert Mathis lead the league in sacks in the last season he played in 2013 but he was suspended and injured last season so he was unable to play. He is 34 but he doesn't have as much wear and tear on his body that other 34 year old's might because he hasn't played for a season. He should be told he can participate in team activities. Jerrell Freeman played last season but he was injured for part of it so he wasn't at his best, he needs to be better at stopping the run because that's where the Colts defense struggles. D'Qwell Jackson was a Pro Bowler last season even though he wasn't too deserving of it, he is a good tackler however who probably will reach triple digits for the season. He also needs to work on stopping the run. Trent Cole was signed this offseason from the Eagles to be another pass rusher, I feel he will be an upgrade as a starter over Erik Walden and although he didn't play as well last season, he will improve a lot with the Colts.
Backups: Amarlo Herrera ILB, Zach Hodges OLB, Nate Irving ILB, Jonathan Newsome OLB, Erik Walden OLB, Bjoern Werner OLB,
Amarlo Herrera was drafted this year out of Georgia and he should be a rotational linebacker this year. Zach Hodges is a UDFA out of Harvard and he was a pass rushing demon and tackling machine there, he should star on special teams for the Colts this year. Nate Irving is one of the best ILB's at stopping the run, however he is currently injured and I don't know when he will be coming back but when he does he will challenge Jackson or Freeman for a starting spot. Jonathan Newsome was a very underrated rookie last season who got 6.5 sacks in a limited role, unfortunately due to the influx of OLB's he will have to have a limited role again. Erik Walden is a candidate to be cut because the Colts have a lot of OLB's and he gets paid a lot but he would be a very good 3rd OLB if he makes the team, he improved a lot from last season. Bjoern Werner has mostly been a bust during his time with the Colts but he has had his moments, he has just been injured and struggled a little bit from a switch from DE and into a 3-4.
Others: Daniel Adongo OLB, Carlos Fields ILB, Cody Galea OLB, Cam Johnson OLB, Henoc Muamba ILB, Justin Shirk ILB, Junior Sylvestre ILB,
Daniel Adongo was a former rugby player who the Colts signed a few years ago, he has often been injured or on the practice squad, however he has improved a lot since the beginning and I see him starring on special teams at some point this season. However he will have to start the year on the practice squad due to too many OLB's and not enough roster spots. Carlos Fields is an ILB who I honestly haven't heard that much about and probably won't make the team. Cody Galea is an UDFA out of San Diego State and probably won't be on the team. Cam Johnson is a very talented special teamer who deserves a chance with someone but the Colts have too many OLB's so I don't know if they can give him one. Henoc Muamba played with the Colts on special teams and played ILB in garbage time last season, but he wasn't great and might not be on the roster this season. Justin Shirk and Junior Sylvestre are UDFA's out of Bloomsburg and Toledo who definitely won't be making the team.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Vontae Davis and Greg Toler
Vontae Davis is one of the best corners in the game, he has not allowed a TD in over a year, and teams are starting to not even target his side of the field as the Titans did when they played the Colts. Greg Toler on the other hand is not elite but he is good, he is definitely not a shutdown corner and does tend to get beat occasionally by decent receivers but he is not horrible and is a solid #2 corner.
Backups: Darius Butler, D'Joun Smith, Donald Celiscar
Darius Butler is one of the best nickel corners in the league and if teams go into a 3 WR set the Colts won't have any problems matching up. D'Joun Smith was drafted in the 2nd round out of FAU and he has the swagger that is necessary for a top corner as he said that he thinks he can be the best corner in the league, hopefully he can live up to that statement. Donald Celiscar is a UDFA out of Western Michigan who can also play safety so he may contribute in that hybrid role and play on special teams. Both D'Joun and Celiscar are upgrades over last years 4th and 5th corners Josh Gordy and Sheldon Price
Others: Chance Casey, Sheldon Price, Deveron Carr
Chance Casey was released by the Raiders, but he has potential still and some other team should give him an opportunity or he can be on the Colts practice squad, but the Colts are deep at corner so he won't make the active roster. Sheldon Price was the Colts 5th corner last year and he didn't really impress with a limited role so I don't think he will make the roster. The Colts signed Deveron Carr after the veteran combine, and he's decent but I think Celiscar's versatility will give him an edge.
Safety
Starters: Dwight Lowery, Mike Adams
Dwight Lowery was signed as a free agent from the Falcons, and he has bounced around for most of his career but he's a decent safety who will be an upgrade over LaRon Landry. Mike Adams had a surprise Pro Bowl season last year and hopefully he can repeat that.
Backups: Clayton Geathers, Colt Anderson
Clayton Geathers was drafted out of UCF and he is going to compete for a starting safety spot with Dwight Lowery, however Lowery will probably beat him out. Geathers is a big hitter like LaRon Landry was supposed to be however he is not a liability is pass coverage like Landry was. Colt Anderson is a solid special teamer and he is going to have to be even better with the loss of Sergio Brown.
Others: Winston Guy, Dewey McDonald, Robert Smith
Winston Guy has been on and off the practice squad for the past few years and when he's with the active squad he hasn't impressed very much. Dewey McDonald was on the roster last year and he was decent on special teams, but not a very good safety. He is most known for dropping a wide open pass from Pat McAfee in the game against the Cowboys. Robert Smith is a UDFA out of Clemson who won't be making the team.
Specialists: K Adam Vinatieri, P Pat McAfee, LS Matt Overton
Adam Vinatieri is one of the best kickers of all time and is only getting better with age, he only missed one field goal in the regular season and he's a great veteran mentor. Pat McAfee had a breakout season last year and he's becoming one of the best punters in the league. McAfee and Vinatieri are the longest tenured kicker-punter tandem in the NFL. Matt Overton is a very good long snapper as well who made it to the Pro Bowl a few years ago.
Predictions
Week 1 Bills: Colts 37-Bills 14
Week 2 Jets: Colts 27-Jets 16
Week 3 Titans: Colts 48-Titans 10
Week 4 Jaguars: Colts 21-Jaguars 20
Week 5 Texans: Colts 33-Texans 27
Week 6 Patriots: Colts 33-Patriots 30 OT
Week 7 Saints: Colts 50-Saints 35
Week 8 Panthers: Colts 16-Panthers 27
Week 9 Broncos: Colts 34-Broncos 28
Week 10 Bye
Week 11 Falcons: Colts 49-Falcons 20
Week 12 Buccaneers: Colts 36-Buccaneers 16
Week 13 Steelers: Steelers 42-Colts 20
Week 14 Jaguars: Colts 27-Jaguars 14
Week 15 Texans: Colts 30-Texans 18
Week 16 Dolphins: Colts 21-Dolphins 17
Week 17 Titans: Colts 38-Titans 10
Colts finish 14-2
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