The Indianapolis Colts close out the preseason at home against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, and whether it's for playing time or a roster spot, several positional battles are still taking place late in training camp.
Before roster cutdowns take place on Sunday, given what we've learned over the last month of practices and games, let's predict the winner of each positional competition.
Anthony Richardson vs. Riley Leonard for backup QB
Both players have flashed, and both have had their struggles. I do think Richardson has had the better overall preseason, and his ability to extend plays has been a differentiator.
Winner: Richardson
DJ Giddens vs. Ulysses Bentley for RB3
Giddens has missed most of camp with a hamstring injury. Bentley has stood out in the passing game, an element the Colts could use more of out of the backfield.
Winner:
Bentley
Laquon Treadwell vs. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for spot on roster
With the addition of Keenan Allen, only one of Treadwell and Westbrook-Ikhine may now make the team. Through much of camp, Treadwell has seen more snaps with the starters, and he can also impact multiple special teams units.
Winner: Treadwell
Dalton Tucker vs. Jimmy Morrissey for backup center
Both have had their ups and downs, but Tucker has more experience in Shane Steichen's offense and seems to be a player that the Colts would like to keep around.
Winner: Tucker
Jerry Tillery vs. Derrick Nnadi for final roster spot at defensive tackle
Neither player has been able to stand out during the preseason games. Combined the two have no quarterback pressures and one solo tackle.
Winner: Neither -- Colts keep just four defensive tackles.
Jaylon Carlies vs. CJ Allen for starting linebacker
Akeem Davis-Gaither seems to have one starting role under wraps, while Carlies and Allen seem to be the front-runners for the other starting spot.
Winner: Tie -- we see a rotation with Carlies in the game during passing downs and Allen on the field during running downs.
Spencer Shrader vs. Blake Grupe for kicker
Grupe has been the more accurate kicker overall, but Shrader has been much better in the preseason.
Winner: Shrader
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Predicting winners of 7 Colts position battles before preseason finale
