One of the prevalent objectives the Indianapolis Colts have taken on over recent offseasons has been to continuously add talented depth to both sides of the ball.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For the Colts, they can only go as far as their depth will take them—regardless of how strong their starting units might be. Relying on depth players is vital to a team’s success throughout the season and in some cases, that comes in the form of a select few stepping into bigger roles than the previous campaign.
Entering training camp, let’s take a look at four Colts who could see increased playing time in 2019:
TE Mo Alie-Cox — 2018 snaps played: 242 (21.3%)
Though they found out the hard way, the Colts proved to have arguably the best and deepest tight end room in the NFL. With 22 touchdown receptions and a handful of players stepping into bigger roles than expected, the Colts had to be pleased with the room.
Among the most pleasant surprises was Alie-Cox, who is still developing his game. After exuding promising traits, the former VCU basketball standout has a chance to step into a much larger role as the bonafide TE3 in the room. It won’t result in 80% of the snaps like Jack Doyle, but it could lead to having a much larger impact on the game.
Alie-Cox is still a work in progress for the Colts but one that could see some steps in the right direction in 2019 if he’s awarded a bigger role in the offense.
LB Matthew Adams — 2018 snaps played: 215 (20.5%)
Down the stretch of the regular season, Adams earned a role in the middle of the defense working as the SAM linebacker. It was a role the Colts didn’t use too often given how much nickel defenses are emerging. However, Adams will be fighting to make that role more impactful in 2019.
Yes, he will have to compete with the second-round pick and freak athlete Ben Banogu, but the latter will splitting time at the defenisve end as well. This could give Adams the opportunity to prove he deserves the SAM role to begin the season.
Adams was solid down the stretch for the Colts and while the spot isn’t guaranteed for him, a strong showing in training camp and the preseason games could lead to an increased role for Year 2.
DT Jihad Ward — 2018 snaps played: 144 (13.8%)
Had it not been for a season-ending injury in Week 7, Ward was in line for a surprisingly large role. From Weeks 2–6, Ward averaged 37.5% of the defensive snaps. That included playing 50.7% of the snaps in his final full game of the season—potentially showing he was in line for a bigger role. He also recorded 3.0 sacks over that span.
A perfect fit for the Colts’ attacking front, Ward showed he can get upfield with consistency before his injury. Though there will be fresh competition on the interior defensive line, Ward has a chance to carve out a significant role as a pass rusher.
It’s unlikely he takes the job from Denico Autry, and Tyquan Lewis has some big expectations in Year 2, but Ward is a name that shouldn’t be forgotten.
S George Odum — 2018 snaps played: 204 (19.4%)
Though he was a fixture on special teams throughout his rookie season, Odum eventually earned a role in the defensive backfield alongside Malik Hooker. A versatile player, Odum could be in line for a bigger role in 2019.
The undrafted free agent saw a total of 81 defensive snaps over the first 12 games of the season. That includes playing 63 snaps in the Week 12 win over the Titans. However, Odum saw 123 defensive snaps during the final four games of the regular season. This came when Clayton Geathers was hurt, but it still shows he was gaining the trust of the coaching staff.
With Geathers re-signed, the starting roles in the safety room are likely locked up—barring injuries. But the third safety spot is well up for grabs, and Odum showed he can produce in an impactful role during the Colts’ playoff run in 2018.
