Indianapolis Colts' Position Battles: Who Will Take the Spot?

I am not in any way or form interested in the CBS contest, but I thought I might as well add my two cents in on the Colts position battles and depth. Enjoy.

Quarterback

Don't expect any battles here. If any it would be undrafted free agent quarterback Chris Crane trying to beat out Curtis Painter. Sorgi is on a whole different level than these two rookies. Last year's Sorgi completion percentage was higher than Manning's, completing almost 77 percent of his passes.

The only problem is Sorgi averaged less than six yards per pass. In a couple years Painter could come in and be a back up who could do mop up time like Sorgi, if he can make the roster all of these years.

There is really no way Crane will make the roster, and there is no way that Painter can beat out Sorgi as a rookie. Painter has a good arm, but lacks poise and confidence. In a few years he could beat out Sorgi.

Running Back

The top three spots are pretty much sealed here, unless Mike Hart has a setback in recovering from his injury. If Mike Hart has a setback, Chad Simpson will likely make the roster and then be cut when the Hart is taken of the PUP list.

I would not be surprised at all if the Colts looked to add a veteran here like Ryan Torain who would start the season on the PUP list.

Simpson could make the roster if he beats out seven or eight guys for the kick return job, the odds are stacked against him. Lance Ball is not going to make the roster unless Addai or Brown get hurt and Hart has a setback. A fullback could be added, if the Colts decide to try to use one next season.

Tight End

The Colts could carry four tight ends like they did last season, or the Colts could release Gijon Robinson. The Robinson situation is tricky. Robinson is better than the Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi, but the Colts took draft picks on Tamme and Santi.

If the Colts add a fullback or Tamme and Santi show a lot of improvement, Robinson will be in trouble. Unless two tight ends get hurt, Jamie Pretkowski will not make the roster. It is extremely unlikely that Colin Cloherty will make the roster. 

Wide Receiver

Austin Collie will compete with Roy Hall and Pierre Garcon for the slot receiver spot. Collie is one of the most NFL receivers in the second day of the NFL draft. Pierre Garcon looked awful in limited action last season, and Roy Hall has been unable to stay healthy.

The Colts rushed Gonzalez into action as a rookie, and I would not be surprised to see Collie in the middle of the action. Collie might not be a better long term receiver than Gonzalez, but he could be a better rookie. 

If Hall gets injured or Garcon is awful again, the Colts might take their losses and release them. Taj Smith and Sam Giguere are not that good either. John Matthews and Brett McDermott have shown enough to get on the Colts roster, they could give Hall and Garcon a run for their money, but they have to go past Taj Smith and Sam Giguere first.

Another receiver could be added. Marvin Harrison still wants to play. Add the two together.

Offensive Line

The Starters are set on offensive line, but back up roles are a swirling mess. Charlie Johnson is the top reserve at guard and tackle. Jamey Richard is the top reserve at center, and the second at guard. Dan Federkeil is the second at tackle and third at guard. Steve Justice is the second at tackle and fourth at guard.

Those are the reserves most likely to make the roster. Kyle DeVan can play center and guard and will not make the roster. Brandon Barnes can play guard and will also not make the roster.

Jamie Thomas can play tackle and guard and could beat out Corey Hilliard who would probably be in line for the last roster spot for a linemen. Cornelius Lewis and Tom Pestock are also competing for that spot.

Defensive Line

The Colts will have to figure out where they will use Raheem Brock. Brock played defensive end last season so Robert Mathis would be fresh on passing downs, but he could be used at tackle this season.

Ed Johnson, Eric Foster, Keyunta Dawson, and the Colts two rookies will be competing for the two starting tackle spots. But Ed Johnson might not make the roster. Antonio Johnson will compete with Johnson for the final tackle spot.

Linebacker

Clint session and Tyjuan Hagler will compete to start at the SLB spot. Session has the advantage because of his playmaking ability. Phillip Wheeller, Adam Seward, and Jordan Senn should all get roster spots. Michael Okwo, Mike Tauiliili, Tyrell Sales, and Ramon Humber could compete for one or two roster spots.

Secondary

Melvin Bullitt and Matt Giordano will compete to be the top back up saftey. Jerraud Powers and Dante Hughes will compete to be the fourth cornerback. One or two more defensive backs might make the roster.

The candidates are: T. J. Rushings, Nick Graham, Michael Coe, and Jamie Silva. Rushings will probably only make the roster if he turns out to be one of the top two options at kick or punt returner. Graham played really well last season in limited action. Silva is a good special teamer. Coe has potential but is injury prone.

Special Teams

Pat McAffee and Tim Masthay should compete for the starting punter spot. One of them might even be tried as a kick off specialist. The candidates for kick returner are; Chad Simpson, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and T.J. Rushings. The candidates for punt returner are; T.J. Rushings and Austin Collie. Anthony Gonzalez has the perfect build for a punt returner, and could be used there, but the Colts do not like to use starters on special teams. But hey, this is Jim Caldwell. 

Conclusion

Out of all the min-camps and training camps in the NFL, the Colts would be the dullest.

Things To Watch For (For whoever goes to them)

How is the special teams now that Russ Prunell is out?? Do the players respond well to Jim Caldwell?? Is Ed Johnson going to pick up where he left off?? Can they resurect the running game??

For more Colts news check out my blog, the Colts Corner.