Colts give update on some of their biggest training camp battles in first depth chart of the year ahead of the preseason

What the Colts' first unofficial depth chart of the year said about key training camp battles

Tanor Bortolini vs. Danny Pinter for starting center

Depth Chart starter: Tanor Bortolini

When the Colts elected to let Ryan Kelly walk in free agency, the loud consensus was that Tanor Borolini would be the team's new starting center heading into his second NFL season. The team has always been sure to mention Danny Pinter as well, and the fact that the two are competing for the job. On the first unofficial depth chart, though, they listed Bortolini alone as the starter, which they didn't have to do. They could have included the "OR" tag that you will see in the next paragraph, but I think it's becoming pretty clear that this is Bortolini's job to lose.

Anthony Richardson Vs. Daniel Jones for starting QB

Depth Chart starter: "Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson"

The training camp battle on everyone's mind surrounding the Colts is, of course, between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones to be the team's starting QB. The team has ensured that they do not lean either way when discussing the battle's progress, so it should come as no surprise that they elected not to list either as the solo starter on their first unofficial depth chart. This is a decision the team wants to take their time making, so I wouldn't be shocked if we don't know an offical answer until the week leading up to their preseason finale vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. After two weeks of training camp, I'd say Richardson has a slight lead, but if he wants to hold on to the reins, he needs to keep his foot on the pedal and continue to stack good days on the field. Because there is still plenty of time for either QB to prove to the team that they are the best man for the job, each week of training camp, joint practice sessions, and all three preseason games matter tremendously. This isn't ideal for a team to have to deal with at the QB position, but I think it makes camp and the preseason significantly more meaningful and entertaining for Colts fans as they wait to see who their starting QB will be.

Jaylon Carlies vs. Cameron McGrone vs. Joe Bachie for starting LB

Depth Chart starter: Cameron McGrone

One of the biggest shockers from the Colts' first unofficial depth chart was seeing Cameron McGrone listed as the second starting LB instead of Jaylon Carlies. You can tell in practice that the team is giving all three of Carlies, McGrone, and Joe Bachie the chance to earn this job, but many have already been penciling in Carlies as the starter. Instead, the Indianapolis native McGrone, who has been with the team since December of 2022, is listed as the solo starter over Carlies, with Bachie listed as Zaire Franklin's backup. The team needs someone to step up and separate themselves as the best option to start at LB. If I had to guess, this is another job where we likely won't know a solid answer until the week leading up to the preseason finale. I still believe Carlies' upside in coverage should give him a solid shot at taking the job.

Justin Walley vs. Jaylon Jones vs. Juju Brents for starting CB

Depth Chart starter: Justin Walley

Last but not least is the second starting outside CB job that has generated the most buzz of any training camp battle at Colts training camp, other than QB. Chris Ballard announced ahead of camp that rookie Justin Walley and third-year players Jaylon Jones and Juju Brents were set to compete for the second starting outside CB job opposite of Charvarius Ward. Recent injuries to Jones and Brents, however, have allowed Walley to take nearly all the starting reps and continue to impress the team. Even before these injuries to Jones and Brents, it was evident, based on the comments from players and coaches, how pleased they are with what they've seen from their third-round pick, Walley. The longer Jones and Brents have to sit out of practice, the more likely I think it becomes that Walley is a day-one starter as a rookie. And the team electing to list him as the solo starter, with Jones as his backup and Brents listed as Ward's backup, adds fuel to that fire. If Jones and Brents can get back on the field soon, I think the Colts will let this battle play out as long as they can before naming a starter. They have liked what they've seen from all three players to start camp, and as long as they remain healthy, all three will likely play a key role on defense this year. The Colts' depth at CB is in a great spot, but only one of these young CBs can be named a starter, so let's see who wants it more in the coming weeks.