All eyes will be on the Colts’ quarterback position, but here are seven other positional competitions to watch in the preseason game vs. the Ravens.
The Indianapolis Colts will open the preseason on the road on Thursday evening against the Baltimore Ravens.
During the preseason, instead of focusing on how the Colts stack up to their opponent, we look internally at what positional battles are taking place and will ultimately shape what the 53-man roster looks like in a few weeks.
We know quarterback is the big competition that all eyes will be on. Anthony Richardson will get the start in this game and play roughly a quarter and a half. For more on what the Colts hope to see from him in this game, you can find that here.
But for now, let’s focus in on the other positional battles taking place.
Colts’ backup running back role
Earlier this offseason, GM Chris Ballard said that the Colts needed more production from the backup running back role. Competing for those snaps are DJ Giddens, Tyler Goodson, and Khalil Herbert.
Giddens has made a strong impression as of late, showcasing his ability to find space and create off it, along with being able to contribute in the passing game. As offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter mentioned recently, more has been put on Giddens’ plate.
Starting center
It’s been presumed all offseason that Tanor Bortolini would start at center, but he is competing for that job with Danny Pinter. However, that role may already be taking shape with Bortolini working with the first-team over the last two consecutive practices after he and Pinter had been alternating days.
Pre-snap protection calls and adjustments are key responsibilities that come with filling this role. A lot is also asked of the center position in the run game within Shane Steichen’s offense.
Fourth tight end
We know Tyler Warren is at the top of the depth chart, while we can assume that Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree will hold the other two spots. But that fourth spot is up for grabs.
Primarily competing for that role are Will Mallory and Jelani Woods, both of whom can bring an added pass-catching presence to the position. Warren is going to be featured right away, but we will see a lot of two tight end sets, and during those more obvious passing situations, either Mallory or Woods could pair with Warren.
Fourth defensive tackle in the rotation
Of course, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart will be leading the way here. Neville Gallimore also seems fairly well cemented into the third rotational role. But at a position where four players see regular snaps, that last spot in the rotation is available.
Competing for it are Eric Johnson, Tim Smith, and Adetomiwa Adebawore. As always, consistency will be key, but also potentially factoring into the decision will be whether the Colts want more of a pass rush presence, which Adebawore can provide, or a run-stuffing presence, which the other two can add.
The starting linebacker role next to Zaire Franklin
The thought has been that Jaylon Carlies will start next to Franklin this season, and that still may be the case. However, it doesn’t look like a foregone conclusion either.
One player to watch in particular is Joe Bachie, who has consistently made plays in practice and is familiar with Lou Anarumo’s defense, having spent the last few seasons with him in Cincinnati.
The third safety
Cam Bynum and Nick Cross will, of course, be the starters here, but under Anarumo, we could see a lot more three-safety looks this season.
Hunter Wohler is coming off a strong showing in the joint practice, which included him coming away with two interceptions, one of which came at linebacker and the other at safety. Rodney Thomas is vying for this playing time as well.
Wohler provides more of a box presence while Thomas can fill more of a free safety role.
Cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward
Competing for these snaps were Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Justin Walley. All three players, however, are dealing with injuries currently. So this position battle may be on hold for the time being. It could also mean we see a lot of Samuel Womack, who will have the opportunity to make some plays and perhaps make his way into the conversation.