Roster Changes

 

Key additions

RB Spencer Ware, WR Devin Funchess, DE Justin Houston, DT Caraun Reid, S Derrick Kindred

 

Key losses

FB/TE Ryan Hewitt, WR Ryan Grant, WR Dontrelle Inman, TE Erik Swoope, C Matt Slauson, DT Al Wods, OLB Najee Goode, S Mike Mitchell, S Corey Moore, S J.J. Wilcox

 

2019 draft class

CB Rock Ya-Sin (2.34), DE Ben Banogu (2.49), WR Parris Campbell (2.59), LB Bobby Okereke (3.89), S Khari Willis (4.109), S Marvell Tell III (5.144), LB E.J. Speed (5.164), DE Gerri Green (6.199), OT Jackson Barton (7.240), C Javon Patterson (7.246)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Andrew Luck
RB: Marlon Mack
WR: T.Y. Hilton
WR: Devin Funchess
TE: Jack Doyle
TE: Eric Ebron
LT: Anthony Castonzo
LG: Quenton Nelson
C: Ryan Kelly
RG: Mark Glowinski
RT: Braden Smith

 

Defense

DE: Justin Houston
DT: Margus Hunt
DT: Denico Autry
DE: Jabaal Sheard
OLB: Darius Leonard
MLB: Anthony Walker
OLB: Bobby Okereke
CB: Pierre Desir
CB: Rock Ya-Sin
S: Malik Hooker
S: Clayton Geathers

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Nyheim Hines, RB Spencer Ware, RB Jordan Wilkins, WR Parris Campbell, WR Chester Rogers, WR Deon Cain, WR Zach Pascal, TE Mo Alie-Cox, OT Le’Raven Clark, T/G Joe Haeg, G/C Evan Boehm, DE Tyquan Lewis, DE Ben Banogu, DE Kemoko Turay, DL Jihad Ward, DT Grover Stewart, DT Caraun Reid, LB E.J. Speed, LB Zaire Franklin, CB Quincy Wilson, CB Kenny Moore, CB Nate Hairston, S Derrick Kindred, S Khari Willis, S Marvell Tell III

 

Biggest strength: Offensive line

It’s amazing how quickly Indy’s offensive line went from one of the worst in the league to arguably the best in the league, and the group should be just as dominant in 2019 as they were last year. The starting five is strong across the board (and it’s worth noting that depth guys like Le’Raven Clark and Joe Haeg can step in and contribute when needed), but Quenton Nelson is the tone-setter at left guard because of his toughness and intelligence.

 

Biggest weakness: Defensive tackle

While the Colts don’t have a clear weakness on the roster, I would say defensive tackle is the position group closest to “average” since they don’t have a stud on the interior. However, Margus Hunt and Denico Autry are both quality starters, and the rotation up front will allow them to stay fresh and make an impact, especially with the punch added at defensive end (Justin Houston, Ben Banogu, and hopefully a Year 2 emergence from Kemoko Turay).

 

Position battle to watch: Cornerback

After re-signing Pierre Desir and drafting Rock Ya-Sin, Indianapolis is in a great spot at cornerback, but it will be interesting to see who starts alongside Desir. The rookie has the size, coverage versatility, and competitiveness to immediately see the field, but 2017 second-round pick Quincy Wilson improved down the stretch last season, and Kenny Moore started 17-of-17 healthy games (including playoffs). Overall, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has the pieces needed to contain high-powered passing attacks in the AFC.

 

One more thought

The Colts have the perfect blend of emerging youngsters, unheralded veterans, and legitimate superstars throughout the roster, and they should be more than ready to match their 2019 expectations after shattering the 2018 expectations by not only making the playoffs, but also winning a game. Indianapolis is in excellent hands being led by Andrew Luck and head coach Frank Reich, and the roster looks better than it was a year ago when they overcame a 1-5 start.

 

Early over/under: 9.5 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. Indy will have a more difficult schedule this year facing the NFC South and AFC West, but the organization has all the pieces in place to go even further than they did last season. Right now, I would consider them the favorites in the division.