Less than two weeks separate the Indianapolis Colts from the commencement of training camp, when a number of players on the roster bubble will vie for a position.
There will be a few players fighting for a small number of roster positions because so many starting spots have already been claimed. The Colts will use training camp and the preseason games to sort through the opposition.
We’ll try to keep the obvious in mind when evaluating roster bubble players. Unless they have a spectacular breakout during training camp, most undrafted rookie free agents have little chance of making the squad.
Colts players on roster bubble entering training camp
RB Tyler Goodson
Evan Hull, a second-year back, might have a greater chance of making the squad, but the same could be said about him. Apart from his game-ending pass in 2023 that brought the Colts to an abrupt end, Goodson is a dynamic and promising receiving option out of the backfield.
The Colts may decide to stick with three running backs on the field, though. There will be an odd man out if they do. Additionally, they might choose to retain four. In that scenario, Goodson is probably secure. This will be a position to keep an eye on behind Jonathan Taylor, either way.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
Colts fans have undoubtedly grown tired of seeing this name when it comes to players that could be cut or dealt. However, Alie-Cox is probably the biggest name on the squad who has a real potential of being a roster casualty.
Not that the Colts need it, but releasing or selling Alie-Cox would save them $5.9 million on the cap. It just indicates they have no financial interest in keeping him on the roster. If the four other tight ends prove to be better choices throughout the preseason, Alie-Cox may be on his way out.
OT Jake Witt
Colts fans have undoubtedly grown tired of seeing this name when it comes to players that could be cut or dealt. However, Alie-Cox is probably the biggest name on the squad who has a real potential of being a roster casualty.
Not that the Colts need it, but releasing or selling Alie-Cox would save them $5.9 million on the cap. It just indicates they have no financial interest in keeping him on the roster. If the four other tight ends prove to be better choices throughout the preseason, Alie-Cox may be on his way out.
G/C Danny Pinter
The arrival of two draft picks jeopardizes Pinter’s roster chances. The former fifth-round pick was already in trouble in 2023 when a ruptured ACL cut short his season before it even got started. Now he’s fighting for a position on the roster.
Pinter will compete with newcomers Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini for one of the offensive line’s last roster places. Depending on how many offensive lineman the Colts keep, Pinter will be on the perimeter of the roster.
DT Eric Johnson
A mid-Day 3 choice rarely becomes a rotational player. Johnson’s role, however, has remained consistent over the last two seasons. Johnson hasn’t been particularly productive as a run-stopping defensive tackle behind Grover Stewart. It can take some time, particularly for a small school prospect like Johnson.
Johnson, on the other hand, will have to compete for a roster place as training camp begins. The Colts added veteran Raekwon Davis as depth behind Stewart, so Johnson may be the odd man out in the defensive line room if he doesn’t improve.
CB Micah Abraham
During spring practices, little was heard about the sixth-round pick. He’s competing for one of the depth positions as a nickel cornerback, but the room is rather congested. Of course, it isn’t so congested that he can’t have a successful preseason.
The Colts’ choice of Abraham was unusual in the sense that he is not an outstanding athlete. Typical Day 3 picks for the Colts emphasize athleticism. Instead, they chose a candidate who shown exceptional ball-handling abilities. We’ll see if the rookie from Marshall can make an impression.
DB Jaylin Simpson
Another Day 3 rookie who will need a great preseason to gain a roster place, Simpson’s versatility as a nickel defender and free safety should help him. He also matches the definition of an elite athlete, with a higher ceiling if he can achieve it.
Simpson, like Abraham, received little media coverage during the spring workouts. That’s not entirely unusual for a Day 3 pick, but there were no major plays from the rookie. In either case, he’ll be an interesting guy to watch as he competes with numerous veterans for a depth job in the secondary.
LB Craig Young
If there is one undrafted free agency rookie who has a shot to make the team, it is Young. Young, an explosive athlete with the Colts’ desired length and build, might make the squad as the final linebacker.
The Kansas product will face some competition in the form of Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone, but he’s an intriguing guy to watch once the pads are on.
