As the NFL tries to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a lot of changes going around the league. Among them are the slight modifications to the practice squad, which will have an impact on the Indianapolis Colts in a positive way.
Under the new CBA, practice squads were already going to be increased from 10 to 12 players. Now, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to expand the practice squad to 16 players. Also, six of those players can have an unlimited number of accrued seasons—previously the rule was only two players—per Lindsay Jones of The Athletic.
The biggest change, though, comes in the form of a “protected practice squad.” Four players on the practice squad can be protected on a weekly basis from other teams trying to poach players, per Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
This will allows the Colts to keep some of their younger talent protected while adding depth elsewhere on the active roster.
Here’s a look at six players the Colts should consider putting on the protected practice squad:
QB Jacob Eason
Eason is the top candidate when considering players for the protected practice squad. One of the biggest challenges when projecting the 53-man roster for the Colts this season is what to do with the limited spots after having to carry three quarterbacks. Now, they don’t have to worry about that.
The Colts can carry their two quarterbacks in Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett on the active roster while Eason continues to work as the QB3 on the protected practice squad. The biggest reason for keeping Eason on the active roster was for fear of losing him during the waiver process on his way to the practice squad.
As long as he isn’t subject to waivers on this new protected practice squad, putting Eason there is a no brainer.
WR Dezmon Patmon
A sixth-round pick in the 2020 draft, Patmon is exciting because of the upside he has if he reaches his ceiling. However, the hit rate on sixth-round picks is extremely low, and Patmon has long odds to make the 53-man roster before the season.
But, like Eason, the Colts may not have to fear losing him on the practice squad if he can be protected. The Colts can keep their five or six wide receivers who are ready to produce now while allowing Patmon to continue his development on the practice squad.
Patmon is an intriguing player and one that possesses upside. But he’s likely not ready to produce immediately and if the Colts want to be the ones to continue his development, they may need to stash him on the protected practice squad.
WR Ashton Dulin
This is a very similar situation for Dulin as it was for Patmon. However, Dulin has a better chance at cracking the 53-man roster than Patmon does. Given his athleticism and abilities on special teams, Dulin is very well in the race for the final wide receiver spot.
But should he fail to make the roster when cuts are made, the Colts should consider protecting Dulin. He has potential as a depth wide receiver piece and the Colts often cite their desire for players in that role to work on special teams.
Dulin may wind up on the active roster but if he doesn’t he should be considered to be one of the protected players on the roster.
DT Robert Windsor
It’s a long shot that Windsor is going to make the roster. Even if he has a strong camp, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts gave Tyquan Lewis one last shot at proving himself in Year 3.
Windsor has a high motor and works with power from the interior. The Colts spent a sixth-round pick to get him in the draft. That might not seem all that important, but losing draft picks in their first season probably isn’t in the plans for general manager Chris Ballard.
Windsor can develop into a depth piece and special teams asset, but that may not come in 2020. Though teams may not be eager to poach Windsor as much as other players, the Colts can protect him if they see a high ceiling.
LB Matthew Adams
The rules of the protected practice squad aren’t all that clear. How many accrued seasons can they have? Is it limited to younger players only? What is the waiver process like?
Regardless, Adams may be considered because of the competition taking place at linebacker. With four spots locked up, the Colts will have three players competing for the final two spots in the linebacker room. That includes Adams, Zaire Franklin and 2020 sixth-round pick Jordan Glasgow.
Adams is listed here because the prediction is that Glasgow and Franklin take up the final two spots with Adams getting cut. But he’s proven to be a valuable depth piece and if the Colts see him as an essential member of the special teams unit, they may want to consider protecting him.
DE Kendall Coleman
Coleman went undrafted so it is highly unlikely that a team will be on pins and needles waiting to scoop him up if and when he’s cut from the offseason roster. But Coleman has a lot of potential to be a depth piece on the edge.
The Syracuse product also has a strong connection with Colts legendary pass rusher Robert Mathis. Coleman isn’t expected to make the active roster when the season begins and he would likely make it to the regular practice squad if waived.
But if the Colts see a future in Coleman, they may want to consider placing him on the protected practice squad.
