Following the Indianapolis Colts’ three mandatory minicamp practices, we put together our latest 53-man roster prediction, and compared to the one we completed prior to offseason programs starting, there were three changes.
These adjustments were made based on what took place at minicamp. Now, of course, these recent developments aren’t the be-all and end-all — training camp will be what largely determines what the final roster looks like.
That said, what takes place in minicamp is noteworthy, and that lays the foundation for what’s ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at what these three adjustments were.
CB Johnathan Edwards added to the roster
During minicamp, Edwards saw his share of opportunities on the practice field, and according to Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable, one specific area where it looks like Edwards has improved is in his ball production.
Edwards played 313 defensive snaps as a rookie, allowing 17 completions on 27 targets, giving up almost 15 yards per catch. He also logged two pass breakups and was penalized twice, per PFF.
Edwards, Mekhi Blackmon, Cam Taylor-Britt, Jaylon Jones, and Cameron Mitchell are potentially competing for two to three roster spots.
LB Jaylon Carlies added to the roster
As the Colts look for answers at the linebacker position, they were casting a wide net during the minicamp practices. This includes Carlies being one of the defenders to see snaps with the ones during practices.
Carlies missed most of last season with an injury, but upon his return, he saw significant special teams snaps over the final few weeks. The ability to help in that phase of the game will be important when it comes to him making the final roster.
Carlies has played just over 200 defensive snaps in his first two NFL seasons, but as a former college safety, he brings an added coverage presence to the position. I don’t expect Carlies to be a starter, but he certainly could make the team.
Rostering only three tight ends
To help the roster math work out, I kept only three tight ends on the latest roster prediction, with Will Mallory being left off. That then allowed me to keep an additional defensive lineman.
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, and Drew Ogletree will lead the way at tight end for the Colts. In fact, there were games last year where the Colts had only three tight ends available, with Mallory inactive. And if they want additional game-day depth, they can utilize the practice squad elevation rule.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 changes made to Colts’ 53-man roster projection after minicamp
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
