Colts' unofficial depth chart: 10 takeaways (2024)

An offer for Colts fans

On the unofficial depth chart behind Ryan Kelly, the Colts have it listed as: Danny Pinter or Tanor Bortolini or Wesley French. From what we can glean from those in attendance at training camp, all three have seen snaps at center with the second team offense. In addition to having these three listed as the backup center, Pinter, French, and Borolini are listed as the backup left guard as well. This tells us that with one or maybe two roster spots at most open on the 53-man along the offensive line, Pinter and French are likely the front-runners to fill that spot, with their ability to be a backup option at multiple positions.

The Colts broke up their tight end position into the more blocking heavy players and the more pass-catching heavy players. In 2023, two tight end sets were the second-most used personnel package by the Colts. At the top of the depth chat for the blocking tight ends is Mo Alie-Cox, which isn’t a surprise given his experience. Meanwhile, Kylen Granson is a top of the pass-catching tight end depth chart, which again, shouldn’t be a surprise at this stage.

At the boundary receiver position opposite of Michael Pittman, the Colts have it listed as Alec Pierce or AD Mitchell. Throughout training camp up to this point, the two have been rotating reps with the starters. As noted in a recent article over at SI’s Horseshoe Huddle, the general consensus right now among media members in attendance at practice is that Pierce has had a greater impact in the 11-on-11 drills. Given that Pierce is in Year 3 of the NFL and Year 2 in Shane Steichen’s offense, it’s not too surprising that he’s off to a quicker start than the rookie. Regardless of which of these two are named the “starter,” both will be factors on offense this season.

As expected given the training camp reports, the Colts have Trey Sermon listed as the backup running back. Of those competing for this role, Sermon is the most experienced and brings an added physical running style to the backfield. It’s also worth mentioning that Tyler Goodson is ahead of Evan Hull, although at least from a few camp observations, Hull has gotten work with the second offense and made a few splash plays.

By all accounts, rookie Laiatu Latu is off to a fast start in training camp. However, on the unofficial depth chart, he is listed behind Tyquan Lewis. Given that early downs are more often running downs, it makes sense in that regard that Lewis is listed ahead of Latu, who early on, may see his playing time come during more obvious passing situations. But with that said, if Latu keeps playing at this level, the Colts should strongly consider letting him “start” right away, given the need for an additional impact player without Samson Ebukam.

Early on in camp we heard that rookie Jaylon Carlies, a converted safety, was getting some snaps next to Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed when in the 4-3 base defense as the Will linebacker. But on the unofficial depth chart, the Colts have Speed at the Will and Segun Olubi as the strong-side backer. Carlies is listed as the backup Will linebacker.

Before training camp began, GM Chris Ballard named the backup middle linebacker position as one of the positional battles to watch. On the unofficial depth chart, they have Cam McGrone in that role. Now, it’s worth mentioning that with Olubi as the starting strong-side linebacker, he can’t be listed as the backup middle linebacker as well, but he is also competing for that role and filled in last season when Zaire Franklin was sidelined for a game.

As I wrote recently, the Colts don’t seem all that close to making a decision on who the starting free safety will be. While there is still time for someone to emerge, it can be viewed as a bit concerning that no one has taken control of that role after two weeks. It does, however, make sense that they have Cross listed as the starter for now. He’s clearly been ahead of Rodney Thomas in practice and asking Ronnie Harrison to make the jump from strong safety and linebacker to free safety in just a few weeks is a big ask.

All offseason we’ve heard that Brents is competing for playing time, which I’m sure he is, but all of the offseason and training camp he’s been a mainstay in the starting lineup. Jones is competing with Dallis Flowers for the starting spot opposite of Brents and has been taking the majority of the starting reps since OTAs.

Perhaps an under the radar roster battle, but Chris Lammons and Micah Abraham are both competing for the backup nickel role behind Kenny Moore. During the majority of the first two weeks, Abraham was taking those snaps while Lammons was on the PUP list. However, Lammons returned to practice a few days ago and is listed ahead of Abraham.