The Indianapolis Colts have had a long track record of finding undrafted free agents over the years. They currently have the longest streak of having at least one undrafted free agent make the initial 53-man roster going into the season at 21 consecutive seasons.
With the offseason program being completely flipped on its heels, this season will be very tough for an undrafted free agent to make the Colts’ roster. There have been no organized team activities, or mini-camps, and those workouts are primarily used for undrafted free agents to make a name for themselves.
Now, with training camp being very limited in terms of on-field activity, and without any preseason games, plus it looks unlikely the Colts will have any scrimmage games with another team, it’s a long shot an undrafted free agent makes this roster.
But, the undrafted free agents have a chance, and here are a few that could make the Colts initial 53-man roster and continue the streak the Colts have held over the years:
DE Kendall Coleman
The defensive lineman out of Syracuse has a ways to go, but he’s got a chance. Coleman was a UDFA from Syracuse, and not many fans know his name, but they should.
Coleman has a long history with Colts legendary pass rusher Robert Mathis to the point where the duo have been working together. Suffice it to say, Coleman has impressed Mathis.
Coleman will be in a deep camp battle as he’ll be fighting for backup snaps with Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ben Banogu, and Tyquan Lewis. Depending on how many defensive ends the Colts keep, Coleman could sneak on the roster come September.
OL Carter O’Donnell
Now hardly anyone that follows the Colts knows who Carter O’Donnell is. A 6-foot-6 offensive lineman from Canada will be fighting for a backup tackle spot come late-August.
O’Donnell played his college ball in Canada at the University of Alberta, and was given the opportunity to play, and start, in the East-West Shrine game at right tackle.
The Colts didn’t address their lack of tackle depth in the draft, and that is a bit concerning because Anthony Castonzo seems to be retiring in two years. Bringing in O’Donnell, he’s in a camp battle for a backup tackle spot with Le’Raven Clark, Andrew Donnal, and Cedric Lang.
K Rodrigo Blankenship
The most well-known UDFA the Colts signed in late-April, Rodrigo Blankenship has been signed on the Colts to battle for the starting kicker position.
Blankenship has been the most coveted kicker in college football for the past few years. He won the Lou Garza award, given to best kicker in college football and he was voted first-team All-American by many publications.
Blankenship will be in a camp battle with returning Colt, Chase Mclaughlin, who played admirably for the Colts last season. McLaughlin finished the season perfect on 11 extra-point attempts, and was 5-of-6 on field goals last year. Watching this camp battle will be one of the more interesting battles to watch in camp.
