Colts depth chart: How Indianapolis roster shapes up ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
INDIANAPOLIS — Under team owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard, the Colts have always preferred to rely on the draft to replenish and upgrade the roster, rather than importing veterans from the outside, a policy that puts a premium on need in the draft.
And the easiest way to see the needs Indianapolis has to fill is by looking at the depth chart as it stands today. The Colts have a lot of young, developing options on the roster, but there are opportunities to bolster depth, add more competition and potentially upgrade the ceiling at several positions in an effort to transform Indianapolis into a regular playoff presence in the AFC.
Colts depth chart
The Colts spent big money in free agency to bring back 11 of their 15 free agents, then only signed two players from the outside in free agency, leaving the roster relatively the same as it was at the end of the season.
Offense
Quarterbacks
Starter: Anthony Richardson
Backups: Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger
Running backs
Starter: Jonathan Taylor
Backups: Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson
Other depth: Zavier Scott
Wide receivers
Starters: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs
Backups: Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery, Juwann Winfree
Other depth: Ethan Fernea, Tyrie Cleveland, Terrell Bynum
Tight ends
Starters: Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson
Backups: Will Mallory, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
Other depth: Jordan Murray, Eric Tomlinson
Offensive line
Starters: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith
Backups: Blake Freeland, Wesley French, Danny Pinter, Josh Sills, Arlington Hambright
Other depth: Jack Anderson, Lewis Kidd, Jake Witt
Defense
Defensive line
Starters: Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Samson Ebukam
Backups/Contributors: Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis, Raekwon Davis, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson, Adetomiwa Adebawore
Other depth: Isaiah Land, Genard Avery, Titus Leo
Linebackers
Starters: Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed
Backups/Contributors: Ronnie Harrison, Segun Olubi, Grant Stuard, Cameron McGrone
Other depth: Liam Anderson, Austin Ajiake,
Cornerbacks
Starters: Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents
Backups/Contributors: Dallis Flowers, Darrell Baker Jr., Chris Lammons, Ameer Speed
Safeties
Starters: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross
Backups/Contributors: Rodney Thomas II, Daniel Scott, Trevor Denbow
Other depth: Kendell Brooks, Marcel Dabo, Michael Tutsie
Colts draft needs
When it's all laid out, the needs the Colts have to fill jump off the page. There are places the Colts could upgrade if they identify a Pro Bowl-level player, but from a numbers standpoint, Indianapolis clearly has needs to fill at cornerback, wide receiver, safety and linebacker, and Indianapolis almost always uses its top pick to fill needs.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts depth chart: How Indy's roster looks ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
