I guess we could start by eliminating those who would not be considered longshots. No starter from a year ago should be in that category. I would also eliminate our first two draft picks, as they are being penciled in as starters as well. As far as free agent acquisitions, Davis-Gaither has a pretty clear path to starting, as does Arden Key. Both should, and frankly need to be, to see the Colts defense improve enough to elevate the entire team.
Maybe not every starter should be being counted on as
major contributors? For me, if Travis emerged as a player that you start looking at wanting to lock up, that would mean he was making a pretty huge contribution. Fending off Farmer or Goncalves, would be setting the OL up for a couple of years of strong continuity. I would call Farmer a long-shot, but just barely. I don’t think many would be shocked if he won a role, but he does have a hill to climb as a rookie.
Seeing Dulin, NWI, Gould, or Burks might be candidates, if one of them holds on to a role that many want to see a proven veteran be brought in to take. Either of our draft picks, Giddens or McGowan, would be logical choices, provided they win a role or see the field often enough to help. Seeing AR or Leonard become the starter for any stretch, would mean that something went wrong. But, should either get the opportunity and run with it, it certainly would change the narrative for 2027.
There is a decent chance that Haulcey gets the first shot at Safety aside Bynum. There are some players who might push him, or push for time as a 3rd Safety/coverage LB. Wohler, Thomas, and Owens might get some opportunities, should Haulcey not take the role by the horns. If Ward or Sauce are not on the field, we have spent unwisely. If Walley is not on the field, we have assumed too much. It would, however, open up a chance to see if Taylor-Britt’s experience in the defense might play well. We have seen the other candidates at corner and a leap would have to be considered in the longshot range.
Boettcher is interesting prospect. Although not truly hyped, he doesn’t have a proven player to rise above. I think if Carlies really had something, we would have seen it by now. Behind Grover, the most likely options are Wooden and Adebawore to have some impact. On the edge, JTT and Clemons are the “vets”, along with the rookies Gumbs and Curry.
For a successful season, we probably really need 3 – 5 of these guys show some positive gains during the season. The depth lacks star power, but that is the case for all 32 in the NFL.
Who is your choice as the long shot to make us forget the guy he is replacing? Obviously, the skill positions get the best opportunity to be seen as contributors. If one of the WRs or RBs happen to put together a nice season, it will get noticed more than if Adebawore continues to be a nice rotation piece.
I expect Dulin to win that WR3 and to play well. Jones will find him often enough to lessen the focus on the rest of the receiving corps. If he simply catches the ball past the sticks with any sort of consistency, losing Pittman will not feel like as much of a hit. But, the guy I going to choose as my “longshot” contributor is JTT. He’s endured his period of not having Lou’s trust and he has the talent to be the best option opposite Latu. I think he will end up rising above Key, Clemons, and the rookies, to start being the best version of himself.
