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INDIANAPOLIS – It wasn’t the normal spring offseason program that we are used to in the NFL.

Still, we did see the Colts on the field a couple of times, even though they never donned helmets in their two weeks of work.

The Colts will now take an 8-week break before reconvening for training camp starting at Grand Park in late July.

Here is a post-spring look at a projected depth chart for the 2021 Colts:

 

OFFENSE (* rookie)

Quarterback: Carson Wentz, Jacob Eason, Sam Ehlinger*, Jalen Morton

Running Back: Jonathan Taylor, Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, Darius Anderson, Bobby LeMay, Deon Jackson*

Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell, DeMichael Harris, Ashton Dulin, J.J. Nelson, Tyler Vaughns*

Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman, Zach Pascal, Dezmon Patmon, Mike Strachan*, Quartney Davis, Gary Jennings, Tarik Black*

Tight End: Jack Doyle, Noah Togiai, Farrod Green

Tight End: Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson*, Jordan Thomas, Andrew Vollert

Left Tackle: Eric Fisher, Sam Tevi, Will Holden, Jake Benzinger

Left Guard: Quenton Nelson, Danny Pinter, Joey Hunt, Will Fries*

Center: Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter

Right Guard: Mark Glowinski, Chris Reed, Jake Eldrenkamp

Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Julie’n Davenport, Carter O’Donnell

 

DEFENSE

Right Defensive End: Kwity Paye*, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu

Defensive Tackle: Grover Stewart, Antwaun Woods, Taylor Stallworth, Andrew Brown

Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner, Tyquan Lewis, Chris Williams, Kameron Cline, Rob Windsor

Left Defensive End: Tyquan Lewis, Isaac Rochell, Dayo Odeyingbo*

WILL Linebacker: Darius Leonard, E.J. Speed, Jordan Glasgow

MIKE Linebacker: Bobby Okereke, Skai Moore, Malik Jefferson

SAM Linebacker: Zaire Franklin, Matthew Adams, Isaiah Kaufusi*

Cornerback: Xavier Rhodes, Rock Ya-Sin, Marvell Tell, Anthony Chesley

Cornerback: Kenny Moore, T.J. Carrie, Isaiah Rodgers, Andre Chachere

Free Safety: Julian Blackmon, George Odum, Sean Davis, Rolan Milligan, Nick Nelson

Strong Safety: Khari Willis, Shawn Davis*, Ibraheim Campbell

 

Kicker: Rodrigo Blankenship, Eddy Pineiro

Punter: Rigoberto Sanchez

Long Snapper: LS-Luke Rhodes

Punt Returner: Nyheim Hines, Isaiah Rogers, Parris Campbell, DeMichael Harris, J.J. Nelson, Tyler Vaughns*

Kick Returner: Isiah Rodgers, Parris Campbell, Nyheim Hines, DeMichael Harris

 

Some Takeaways:

-As the Colts head for summer break, the expectation is still that Jacob Eason will be the favorite to win the backup job when the team gets back together for camp. Eason should take the vast majority of the 2nd team reps and get necessary time in 3 preseason games to lock up that job.

-Again, the backup running backs reps will be fluid, obviously. Marlon Mack’s clearance to work this spring is a good sign in his Achilles recovery.

-It will be interesting to watch the camps of big men Dezmon Patmon and Mike Strachan. The Colts feel that Strachan isn’t as raw as they might have thought, as he makes the transition from the Division II ranks.

-The Colts found that 3rd tight end in the draft and feel good about their depth at that spot.

-Eric Fisher’s rehab continues, and that means Sam Tevi is the guy at left tackle, although Will Holden got a look there when Tevi was absent at the second media viewing last week. When you look at the offensive line depth in 2021, it is a reminder of how much more experience is at those spots. The Colts really like Danny Pinter at center moving forward, but him earning the earliest playing time is probably going to have to be at guard (talking down the road).

-Tyquan Lewis is a very underrated, yet important, piece to the defensive puzzle. As you see, Lewis should be viewed as a starter at defensive end right now, with the ability to slide inside then on pass downs. Rookie Kwity Paye will have a chance to win a starting job in camp. Al-Quadin Muhammad is another name to watch in the DE starting competition. Kemoko Turay is still rehabbing his off-season ankle surgery.

-The Colts feel good about Zaire Franklin rounding out that 3rd linebacker spot, when a base personnel package is needed. The depth though is pretty unproven behind Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke.

-At corner, the return of veteran T.J. Carrie means Rock Ya-Sin is going to have to go earn a spot back in the nickel personnel package.

-Depth at safety isn’t crystal clear exiting the spring, especially with George Odum sidelined.

-We have a kicker competition coming at Grand Park, pitting Hot Rod vs. Eddy Piniero! Hot Rod does have an advantage given what he did as a rookie last year for the Colts.

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