With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during offseason programs.We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we’ll devote an entire article to one unit before compiling our predictions at the end.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUp next is the offensive line unit.Of course, there is the Colts’ projected starting five, and also a part of this group is Jalen Farmer, whom the team took in the fourth round of this year’s draft.Having Tucker as a roster lock may be a bit aggressive, but the Colts do not have an obvious backup center on the roster, and he could be the favorite to fill that role. Tucker also has experience, and there’s not a lot of that on the roster beyond the starters.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTucker and Farmer provide depth along the interior offensive line, but the tackle depth is a question mark. Freeland has played over 700 snaps, but just about all of those came in 2023. He also missed all of last season with an injury.Tenuta played 28 snaps last season off the bench, but has played just 35 snaps in total since entering the NFL in 2022.Nolan Rucci is an intriguing prospect, but assuming a UDFA can step in at a moment’s notice comes with obvious risks.A lot of teams keep nine, while some will go heavy and keep 10, which the Colts have done in the past. That said, my guess is that Chris Ballard only rosters nine players this year — I just don’t think the depth is strong enough to justify keeping 10 players.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta, Blake FreelandI do think that Rucci could push one of Freeland or Tenuta for a roster spot. In each of the last two years, we’ve seen Ballard take a swing on upside and roster a UDFA. That said, for now, I’ll give Tenuta and Freeland the advantage, given their experience. We need to see more from Rucci before assuming he’ll earn a roster spot.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction: Offensive line
Content Source: Yahoo News
Image Credit: Getty Images
All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.