The Three Tiers of the Indianapolis Colts Roster

This Colts roster has two things that they relied on in the 2021 NFL season, the running game and creating turnovers on defense. The running game success was mainly, but certainly not solely, due to the production of Johnathan Taylor.  From Ben Linsey at PFF, “Jonathan Taylor staked his claim last year as the NFL’s top running back with an 87.0 PFF grade that led all players at the position.” Jonathan Taylor did not do this alone. Nyheim Hines is one of the most talented receivers out of the backfield. Hines scored a 74.3 in the category of 2021 Receiving Grad from PFF. With the dual threat of Hines and the dominance of Taylor the Indianapolis Colts had extreme success in the run game. PFF’s rankings are for the upcoming 2022 NFL Season. The most recent addition to the running back room has yet to suit up for the Colts. Phillip Lindsay helps fill out the room with some experience. The addition of Lindsay secured the rank of two from PFF.

Linebacker Unit (Ranked: 2)

The second punch of the knockout combination from this Colts roster is turnovers. Specifically forcing and recovering fumbles. Darius Leonard and the rest of the Linebacker core are the leaders in this relentless assault on the ball. Darius Leonard alone forced eight fumbles in the 2021 NFL Season. The Indianapolis Colts had 33 opponent turnovers in the 2021 NFL Season according to statmuse. The Linebacker unit helped stop the run and defend passes in the short field at a high level last season. With takeaways, run stuffing, and great tackling the Linebacker core ranked 2nd only behind the San Francisco 49er’s.

Tier Two of the Indianapolis Colts Roster: The Trenches

Offensive Line (Ranked: 10)

Both the Offensive and the Defensive Lines of the Indianapolis Colts roster are above average but have room for improvement.  As I stated earlier these rankings are for the upcoming 2022 NFL Season. A projected starting lineup for the Offensive line goes as follows:

• LT: Matt Pryor
• LG: Quenton Nelson
• C: Ryan Kelly
• RG: Danny Pinter
• RT: Braden Smith

PFF’s Micheal Renner posted, “Losing two starters from a year ago is quite the blow, but the core of Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith is still elite. Plus, there is reason to think the Colts’ options at left tackle and right guard are more than capable of holding their own. Third-year offensive lineman Danny Pinter earned a 74.7 overall grade on 226 snaps at mostly center last season. Matt Pryor was similarly impressive in limited playing time, posting a 76.5 overall grade on 438 snaps at mostly right tackle last season. If they continue to succeed in full-time roles, the Colts will finish at a much higher ranking on this list.” This analysis landed the Offensive Line 10th ranked in the NFL by PFF.

Defensive Line (Ranked: 11)

The Defensive Line is a similar story. The Indianapolis Colts roster has the play makers, like DeForest Buckner. DeForest Buckner ranks fourth among interior defensive linemen in combined sacks and quarterback hits (45) since joining the Colts in 2020. Joining him is Yannick Ngakoue, the reunion for him and new Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley could be exactly what the unit needs to rise up to another level. Kwity Paye is looking for a breakout second season as the favorite for the LEO role in Bradley’s defense. This is another possible X-Factor to bring the Indianapolis Colts roster to the Top-Tier. With Pro-Bowlers, young players with rising potential, and some other uncertainties the Defensive Line finds themselves 11th on the list from PFF.

Tier Three of the Indianapolis Colts Roster: The Question Marks

Secondary (Ranked: 23)

Before the signing of Stephon Gilmore, the secondary of the Indianapolis Colts roster was heading in a downward trajectory. Most recently young Strong Safety Khari Willis retired to follow his religious passion . Now that the dust has settled the Colts still have some promise and hope here in the Secondary. Kenny Moore II is arguably the best NCB in the league and S Julian Blackmon has shown flashes of stability. PFF ranked the Secondary 23rd in the tier titled “TIER 4: SERIOUS FLAWS”, I think that is a little harsh, but sometimes life is harsh.

Wide Receivers (Ranked: 25)

Michael Pittman Jr. is the shining star of this position group in the Indianapolis Colts roster. Pittman Jr. improved his PFF receiving grade from 62.3 as a rookie to 79.9 last year. MPJ is tall, strong, and athletic. If you have been paying attention to the Colts at all you might notice that most of our wideouts fit that same description. The Colts Front Office loves massive wide receivers.