With theIndianapolis Colts' first preseason game complete, let's put together an updated 53-man roster prediction.
As far as the overall evaluation process goes when it comes to determining playing time, roles, and who makes the final roster, it's been a big few days, with the joint practice and preseason game likely carrying more weight.
So given what we know and where we believe things stand in the moment, here is our latest roster projection.
Quarterbacks (3)
Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson
The more time that goes by, the more likely it would seem that Richardson will remain with the team. He had a good overall performance in the preseason game and is positioned well in the backup quarterback competition.
Running backs (3)
Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, Ulysses
Bentley
A big change here with Bentley taking DJ Giddens' roster spot. Giddens has been injured recently, while Bentley gives the Colts a pass-catching element out of the backfield, something the offense could use.
Wide receiver (6)
Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Laquon Treadwell
Coleman Owen looked quite good as a returner in the preseason game and could push Gould for a roster spot. However, the fact that we didn't see Gould get any attempts perhaps tells us that he's well positioned on the roster.
Tight end (4)
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Mallory has been quite good as of late, impacting the practices and the preseason game as a pass catcher. Shane Steichen needs to find more opportunities for him this season.
Offensive line (9)
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta, Blake Freeland
Freeland and Tenuta seem to be the first tackle options off the bench. Farmer is working with the second unit at both guard positions, while Tucker is competing for the backup center role.
Defensive line (10)
Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs, Caden Curry, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Colby Wooden, Adetomiwa Adebawore
I ended up going light at defensive tackle, rostering just four players. Neither Derrick Nnadi nor Jerry Tillery was able to stand out in the preseason game.
Linebacker (5)
CJ Allen, Bryce Boettcher, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake
Carlies and Ajiake have both seen some opportunities come their way as the Colts rotate heavily at linebacker. And both can help on special teams.
Cornerback (6)
Charvarius Ward, Sauce Gardner, Justin Walley, Johnathan Edwards, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon
The depth of this unit behind the three starters, specifically Blackmon and Edwards, has had its ups and downs this week between the joint practice and preseason game.
Safety (4)
Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy, Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens
Given the way the roster math worked out, there was only room for four safeties, which is how many the team rostered initially last season. Owens is going to be a core special teams contributor.
Special teams (3)
Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes, Blake Grupe
I'll still give Grupe the edge given his overall performance, but Spencer Shrader closed the gap during the preseason game.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Updated Colts' 53-man roster prediction after first preseason game
