With training camp closing in, the Colts are at the point in Chris Ballard’s roster build where the conversation starts to get specific. Ten years into the process, the question isn’t just who can play - it’s where Indianapolis can feel best about its depth, its top-end talent, and the spots that can carry a team.
Two areas stand out above the rest.
The offensive line still looks like one of the safest bets on the roster, even after the loss of Braden Smith at right tackle. Bernhard Raimann and Quenton Nelson give the Colts one of the best left-side pairings in football, and Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves both turned in solid first seasons as starters at center and right guard. Jalen Travis will have a major test at right tackle, but the overall shape of the group remains strong enough to put it at the top.
The other clear strength is at cornerback. Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr. should give the Colts a legitimate outside tandem on paper, and there’s real buzz around Justin Walley as a possible answer in place of Kenny Moore II.
Ward’s concussion issues from last season are a concern, no question. Still, if he stays on the field, Indianapolis could have a pair of corners that make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
After those two, the drop-off gets more noticeable.
Tight end lands third largely because of Tyler Warren. He brings star potential to a group that also includes Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree, who are solid as the second and third options in what the Colts ask from the position. But Warren is the difference-maker here, and his presence pushes the unit into the top five.
Defensive tackle follows, though it would have ranked higher in previous years. The uncertainty around DeForest Buckner’s neck injury matters, and both Buckner and Grover Stewart are now north of 30. The Colts did add some useful depth with Colby Wooden, and Adetomiwa Adebawore has flashed some pass-rushing juice, but the position doesn’t carry the same confidence it once did.
Running back rounds out the list, and Jonathan Taylor is the reason. He’s a star runner and the kind of player who can tilt a game on his own.
The concern is what comes after him. DJ Giddens had only 26 total carries as a rookie, and seventh-round pick Seth McGowan is still a question mark.
Even so, Taylor’s home-run ability is enough to keep the position among the Colts’ strengths.
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