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The Indianapolis Colts are back; figuratively and literally. After some down years, they found themselves winning a playoff game in 2018, and now, are a hot pick to take it all by the end of 2019. They are also back in training camp and boast a roster filled with fresh faces, including rookies and veterans. But, before Super Bowl aspirations come, trimming down an improved roster has to be done.
3. Zach Pascal – WR
The Colts' wide receiver room has been a weak spot for quite some time now. 2019 is showing a shift in focus there, with Devin Funchess on-board and second-round pick and speedster Parris Campbell following. Deon Cain, a sixth-round pick in 2018, is back after tearing his ACL in 2018, and T.Y. Hilton continues to do his thing.
With the four aforementioned, the Colts have built a sturdy depth chart of receivers. Chester Rogers, a pleasant surprise in 2018, should be the fifth-in-line. While the team can bring six receivers into the season, it's often a rarity. An exception to Zach Pascal's release would be his duties as a kick returner, but Nyheim Hines and Campbell can both do so.
If the Colts opt to bring five receivers into 2019 — in turn letting Hines, Rogers, and Campbell handling return duties — Pascal is an obvious cut choice. Though solid in 2018, his game didn't show enough to beat out the five previously mentioned.
2. Derrick Kindred – S
The Colts claimed former Cleveland Browns spot-starting safety Derrick Kindred off of waivers in April, but he was never viewed as a real contender to start day-one. Clayton Geathers should retain starting duties on the strong-side, and Malik Hooker on the weak-side. Because the Colts, under Chris Ballard, have carried five safeties into the season, we should see more.
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Included in the backups will be fourth-round selection, Khari Willis. Matthias Farley has proven to be a reliable backup and spot-starter, and former UDFA George Odum showed promise in limited playing time as a rookie. That, right there, is five safeties.
Of course, Kindred isn't an obvious lock to be cut. He's experienced and at 25, is young. But the Colts have real depth at the position, and sacrificing one of the above may not be in their best interests. In culmination, Kindred sees the chopping block as subject to the numbers game.
1. Jalen Collins – CB
The Colts don't have big names littered across their cornerback room. Pierre Desir may be the most recognizable — as he's spent considerable time in the NFL and can be credited to helping lockdown DeAndre Hopkins in the playoffs. But, what they don't have in stars, they do have in potential.
A second-round pick in 2017, Quincy Wilson is earning his starting job. Kenny Moore is a well-paid standout nickel cornerback too. Rookies Rock Ya-Sin (second-round) and Marvin Tell III (fifth-round [safety convert]) may also contend for a starters position come to the end of training camp. Lastly is Jalen Collins.
Collins is a recognizable face — he was a former starter in Atlanta — but has struggled to stay on the field. He's been suspended four times throughout his career, twice for ten games. The Colts gave him a shot in 2018, but it didn't turn into anything. With younger, more potential-laden, corners on the depth chart, it's hard to justify him taking valuable reps.
