Looking at this year’s depth chart, at least on paper, it seems like the starting positions are pretty much set, barring injuries or surprises. Other than the quarterback battle, which will be well documented, there are a few roles on the team that are up for grabs, and a strong training camp will help these player’s chances of securing meaningful playing time.
Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle
Gallimore has not lived up to his potential as a third round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. As an undersized defensive tackle he understandably struggles a bit against the run, but his pass-rush production has been almost non-existent, having posted a career 5.1% pressure rate. Now this is not a player to get excited about, and I am not that high on his potential and ability to show what made him get picked so high, thing is, the Colts do not have a lot of bodies at defensive tackle. Taven Bryan played meaningful snaps last season, and he was well below-average. Gallimore will have the chance to play alongside Buckner, Latu, and Paye on passing situations, so he will get his fair share of one-on-one matchups. His only competition for that backup 3-tech spot right now is Adebawore, who was underwhelming last season, and rookie Tim Smith. A good training camp will put Gallimore on the right track for a good 10-15 snaps a game.
Tyler Goodson, running back
This is not a name Colts’ fans have good memories of, as that drop in the final play of the 2022-23 season on 4th down against the Texans still stings a bit, but Goodson is now entering his third year in Indy, and other than JT the running back room is wide open. Taylor’s biggest weakness is his pass-catching abilities, which happen to be Goodson’s strength, at least on paper, with 70 receptions in college and constant usage as a third and long specialist in the NFL. If Goodson takes that next step and has a good showing in training camp then the coaching staff will be more inclined to giving him opportunities on passing downs. There is also a spot wide open for the backup running back spot, but right now Goodson is behind newly acquired Khalil Herbert and rookie D.J. Giddens, who have more experience and proven track record running the ball.
Jaylon Carlies, linebacker
Linebacker is by far the Colts’ thinnest position group, as even before E.J. Speed left in free-agency it was still a major position of need for the team. Other than Franklin there is not a single player with meaningful starting experience, and it remains to be seen whether Anarumo trusts Zaire the same way Gus Bradley did. Carlies was really good on limited playing time last season, and enters training camp as the starting linebacker alongside Franklin. There is also a strong possibility that the front-office decides to make some moves at the position and add another veteran, but even so Carlies would only have to compete with Segun Olubi for meaningful snaps.
Jelani Woods, tight end
Buried under first round pick Tyler Warren is Jelani Woods, a third round pick that missed the last two years because of injuries, but showed plenty of flashes his rookie season. Woods is a massive red-zone threat, who showed above-average blocking capabilities. If he manages to stay healthy, which keep in mind is a massive if, Woods could carve himself a meaningful role as the #2 tight end behind Warren, and could get important red-zone targets. He was one of my breakout candidates the last two seasons, but injuries derailed the start of his career. Showing out in training camp and getting healthy reps will help build up his confidence and show the coaches that he can at the very least be a reliable option on short-yardage situations.
Blake Freeland, tackle
Freeland had a rough rookie season as the backup swing tackle, and played just 23 snaps last season as Matt Goncalves was the choice at right tackle after Braden Smith was unavailable. Now with Goncalves penciled in as the starter at right guard, Freeland is once again the backup tackle, and with Smith’s status a bit murky for next year, he could end up seeing a lot of playing time. At first glance he will be competing with 4th round pick Jalen Travis for that backup swing tackle spot, and Travis was considered a bit raw coming out of college, so Freeland has the upper hand as of now.
