American Football

Breaking Down the Colts Position Groups Post-Draft: Offense

May 4, 2024

NFL: Combine — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, now is a good time to look at the Colts’ roster and see where they’re strong, weak, etc.

With regards to the grading, we’ll look at the health of each group and the grades are as follows:

A+/A/A- — Exceptional to above average
B+/B/B- — Slightly above average to average
C+/C/C- — Below average to pretty bad
D+/D/D- — Poor to very bad
F — Fail… terrible

Quarterback

Starter: Anthony Richardson

Backup: Joe Flacco

Depth: Sam Ehlinger, Kedon Slavis, Jason Bean

This group is in a great place. Richardson is looking 100% in his throws this offseason and despite the limited action last year, he displayed a crazy amount of talent that should excite everyone. Joe Flacco as a backup gives the Colts a reliable, strong armed quarterback who can win games and play well in a pinch. I think it’s the end of the road for Sam Ehlinger, who has not shown much during his time with the Colts. The intriguing prospect is Jason Bean, who has incredible 4.40 type speed and could be used in option packages if ever Richardson goes down with an injury.

Grade: A

Running Backs

Starter: Jonathan Taylor

Backup: Evan Hull

Depth: Tyler Goodson, Trey Sermon, Zavier Scott

Jonathan Taylor is an A1 player and amongst the 5 best running backs in the NFL. Where the Colts lose points is with their depth. With Zack Moss last year, there was a strong argument that the Colts had the best 1-2 punch in the NFL. Without Moss, there’s more questions. The biggest one is can Evan Hull be an effective passing-down running back who can contribute as a pass catcher and pass protector. Behind him, there isn’t much with Tyler Dropson leading the charge. Despite Taylor at the top, they can’t get an exceptional grade due to the lack of depth.

Grade: A-

Wide Receivers

Starting Z: Michael Pittman Jr

Starting X: Alec Pierce/Adonai Mitchell

Starting Slot: Josh Downs

Backups: Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, DJ Montgomery, Juwann Winfree, Ethan Fernea, Tyrie Cleveland, Terrell Bynum, Xavier White

This one was tricky to grade, as you can argue that this group is an A but also a B. Pittman is a legitimate, well rounded #1 receiver and right in the middle of his prime. Josh Downs is a great route runner and was a nice complimentary receiver who should strive in the slot next season. The questions arise around the projected X receivers. Alec Pierce has had a disappointing couple of seasons and questions are starting to arise about whether he’s a viable option in this spot. The return of Anthony Richardson and his deep ball should help his game, but Pierce being one of the worst separators in the NFL won’t do him any favours long-term in this spot. The selection of Adonai Mitchell was great value for the Colts, but until he hits the field, there is no guarantee of whether he’ll be good or not. Until those questions are answered, this group can’t receive an exceptional grade, but Pittman and Downs alone make it above average.

Grade: A-

Tight Ends

Starter: Jelani Woods

Backup: Kylen Granson

Depth: Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory, Drew Ogletree, Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Murray, Trent Pennix

The tight end group is the clear weak point of the Colts’ offense. The Colts did nothing to address this group in the offseason and they will enter the season with Jelani Woods and Kylen Granson as 1A and 1B. The group features a ton of size and athleticism, but little production.

In my opinion, Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson and even Mo Alie-Cox are TE2 on just about every team. They are good in complimentary roles, but not as full-time starters. Luckily for the Colts, they all have different characteristics and can compliment each other well so the team can get away with it in the short term. However, long term you don’t want Granson or Woods leading the way with this group unless they take a major step forward, but nothing they’ve done has led me to believe they can make that jump.

As for the depth, Mo Alie-Cox is on his way out and may not even be on the roster next season. Mallory and Ogletree showed some promise in the past and can’t be ruled out.

Grade: C-

Offensive Line

Starter/Backup/Depth

Left Tackle: Bernhard Raimann, Matt Goncalves, Jake Witt

Left Guard: Quenton Nelson, Danny Pinter, Josh Sills

Center: Ryan Kelly, Tanor Bortolino, Wesley French, Jack Anderson

Right Guard: Will Fries, Arlington Hambright, Dalton Tucker

Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Lewis Kidd,

In my opinion, this is the strongest group of the entire offense. All five starters performed well last season and that was in their first year with Shane Steichen; another season will only help them. Raimann took a major step forward as a left tackle last season and has established himself as the present and future at that position. Quenton Nelson is Quenton Nelson. Ryan Kelly, who I wrote about in November, had a big resurgence and looked like one of the best 7 centers in the NFL last season. Will Fries was the big question mark going into last year, but held his own and allowed his aggression to shine; he always looks for work and to hit someone. Braden Smith wasn’t as consistent as in years past, but all things considered, he is quite reliable on the edge.

That starting group alone garners a B+, so why are they an A grade? Depth. After the draft, it’s safe to say this group has good depth. Rookies Goncalves and Bortolino are versatile plus athletes and will provide value at multiple spots next season. Danny Pinter has starter experience at a few spots, which is value as the rookies don’t have that yet. Finally, Blake Freeland had a terrible rookie season, struggling the majority of the time he was in the game, so there are still many questions with him. Nevertheless, the Colts have not only a great starting group, but a versatile group of backups that have high upside.

Grade: A