The Indianapolis Colts have a roster that is quickly emerging as one of the better, younger groups in the league. In doing so, they have built up certain positions to be areas of strength.
While we took a look at the biggest holes on the Colts’ roster on Thursday, we will turn our attention to the four positions that represent the biggest strength entering training camp—in no particular order.
Here’s a look:
Quarterback
With Andrew Luck at the helm, you knew this position was going to be included on the list. The 29-year-old is coming off of his most efficient season as a passer, enjoying career highs in completion percentage (67.3) and passer rating (98.7).
But the position’s strength goes beyond the face of the franchise. The reason this position is on the list is also partly due to backup Jacoby Brissett, who should be considered one of the best in that role throughout the league.
Brissett would be able to keep the offense moving should something happen to Luck again and while the Colts hope that won’t happen, the former gives Indy a nice security blanket at the game’s most important position.
Offensive Line
Colts fans have been eagerly waiting for the day in which the offensive line would be considered an area of strength as opposed to the group that has been holding the entire team back—which is what it has been for the majority of Luck’s career.
With some heavy investments through early picks in the draft, the Colts have finally found a starting unit that is among one of the best in the league. They allowed the fewest sacks during the 2018 season while helping Marlon Mack average 4.7 yards per carry in 12 games.
With a new coaching staff helping the unit fine-tune their mechanics and fundamentals, the Colts offensive line should return again as a formidable group.
Tight End
Arguably the deepest position the Colts have on the roster, the tight end room emerged as one of the best weapons on the offense. Of Andrew Luck’s 39 passing touchdowns in 2018, 22 of them were caught by tight ends—13 of which went to Eric Ebron.
The Colts had to go through the majority of the season without its leader in the tight end room. Jack Doyle played in just six games due to hip and kidney injuries before finally ending his campaign on the injured reserve list. However, they did see the emergence of guys like Mo Alie-Cox take a massive step forward in development.
Now, the entire room seems healthy and there should be a solid competition in the room for the spots behind Doyle and Ebron.
Linebacker
One of the positions the Colts targeted heavily throughout the 2019 draft was the linebacker corps. Though the unit still has something to prove, the depth is incredibly upgraded over the span of just one offseason.
Led by All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year Darius Leonard, the Colts have a stout leader in the room. They are also lucky to have Anthony Walker—a strong run defender and communicator working at the MIKE position.
It should be interesting to see how rookies Ben Banogu and Bobby Okereke compete for starting roles with Matthew Adams and Walker, respectively, while the rest of the room battles it out for depth.
