After being forced to swallow the bitter disappointment of a season that ends in December, Chris Ballard promised change.
"This season’s going to be remembered for being a 7-9 season," the Colts GM days after a 38-20 loss in Jacksonville. "That’s a stain that does not easily wash away. ... Like I told our team, when time’s like this happen, change occurs."
Ballard brought change this offseason. Of the 90 players on the Colts roster, more than a third of them were not with the team when the season ended in Jacksonville. Since Dec 29, 33 new players have joined the Colts ranks.
Not all were brought in with the intention of helping the Colts win in 2020. Some will have to bide their time. The following is a ranking of all 33 of those newcomers, based on the impact they will have on the Colts' successes -- or failures -- in 2020.
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Nos. 28-33: Travis Reed (CB); Donald Rutledge (S); DeMichael Harris (WR); Brandon Wellington (LB); Chris Williams (DT); Kameron Cline (DT)
Twenty-one. That’s how many years in a row an undrafted free agent has made the Colts opening day roster -- the longest active streak in the NFL. If one of these guys is going to stretch it to 22, he'll have his work cut out for him. Unlike a couple other UDFAs coming up on this list, they all play positions where the Colts are relatively stacked. Despite that, Cline probably has the best chance given that he was guaranteed $20,000 as part of his deal -- tied for second highest among Colts UDFAs.
Nos. 26-27: Rodney Adams (WR) and Artavis Scott (WR)
With the likes of T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal, Michael Pittman Jr. guaranteed to make the team that doesn’t leave a lot of room for back-end roster hopefuls. Adams and Scott would have to leapfrog a handful of talented players, including Marcus Johnson, Ashton Dulin, Reece Fountain, Chad Williams and 2020 sixth-round pick Dezmon Patmon. That will be tough. Adams is returning from a nearly two-year football hiatus while Scott hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL despite breaking into the league in 2017. He did, however, spend all three seasons with the Chargers, so he’ll have a relationship with Rivers to rely on.
Nos. 24-25: Lafayette Pitts (CB); Chaz Green (OG)
These two have the same problem as the players already mentioned: They’re joining crowded depth charts. The soon-to-be 28-year-old Pitts isn’t beating out Kenny Moore, Xavier Rhodes, Rock Ya-Sin, T.J. Carrie or Marvell Tell, so he’s already a longshot to make the team despite his ability to contribute on special teams. To do it, he’d have to hope the Colts keep six cornerbacks and would then have to win a competition with Isaiah Rodgers, Reed, Picasso Nelson and Jackson Porter to nab the spot.
As for Green, the Colts already have Jake Eldrenkamp and drafted Danny Pinter to play behind starters Quenton Nelson and Mark Glowinski.
Nos. 22-23: Brandon Hitner (OT); Andrew Donnal (OT)
The Colts re-signed Le’Raven Clark to be the swing tackle, but it’s not impossible to imagine a world in which he loses an offseason competition for the role. It’s also not impossible to imagine the Colts keeping multiple tackles around, leaving room for Donnal or Hitner to impress. Donnal boasts the longer track record, with 31 appearances over five years (six starts) and five different teams. Hinter was a UDFA in 2019. For either to crack the Colts’ squad, they’ll not only have to compete with Clark but fellow veterans Cedrick Lang, Travis Vornkahl as well as another highly regarded UDFA we’ll get too a little later on this list.
Nos. 20-21: Farrod Green (TE) and Xavier Grimble (TE)
Frank Reich’s is a system that values tight ends. However, beyond their top three -- Jack Doyle, Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox -- the Colts don’t have another lock to make the roster. That’s where Green and Grimble could come in. Last year’s Colts carried four tight ends into opening day in Los Angeles, a fact that should inspire hope particularly for Green. The lone UDFA to make the 2019 roster was fourth-string tight end Hale Hentges, who put together a strong training camp and preseason before Washington claimed him off waivers in October. Green could follow in his footsteps but to do so, he’ll have to beat out the likes of Grimble as well as some other veterans already with the Colts in Ian Bunting and Matt Lengel.
Nos. 18-19: Kendall Coleman (EDGE), Carter O’Donnell (OT)
Though they’re both undrafted free agents, these two seem to have a leg up on their fellow UDFAs. As most know by now, Coleman has a powerful ally in his corner as the protege of retired Colts great Robert Mathis. If the Cathedral and Syracuse alum flashes in training camp, he’s got a chance to make the team -- especially at a position where the Colts aren’t uber-deep.
As for O'Donnell the Colts paid a high price to keep him away from other teams, guaranteeing him $25,000 -- the most among their UDFAs. (Coleman tied with Kline for third at $15,000.) Like Hitner and Donnal, O'Donnell will have a chance to compete either for Clark’s swing tackle spot or a spot alongside Clark as a reserve.
No. 17: Jacob Eason (QB)
This low ranking might be a surprise, but it isn’t meant to be a commentary on Eason’s talent. It’s simply a statement regarding what his 2020 impact is likely to be: zilch. The Colts have made it clear that there is no competition behind Philip Rivers for the backup position. That job belongs to Jacoby Brissett. Considering Rivers hasn’t missed a start in something like 100 years (approximately), the odds of Eason getting on the field range somewhere between slim and none. While the possibility seems unlikely, he isn't a lock to make the roster. Ballard was clear that he'll compete with incumbent third-string Chad Kelly for the gig. While Eason could be the quarterback of Indianapolis’ future, he won’t make an impact on the present.
No. 16 Dezmon Patmon (WR)
Patmon ranks a little higher on this list than some of his fellow wide receivers because he’s still got that new draft pick sheen. But that will slowly start to wear off as training camp rolls along, and the sixth-rounder will have to prove himself among a revamped Colts wide receiver depth chart.
There’s no doubt Patmon has intriguing tools. His blend of size (6-4, 225 pounds) and speed (4.48 40-yard dash time) make him one to watch, but it’s a crowded depth chart, and he’ll need to do more than flash to get on the field this season.
No. 15: Danny Pinter (OG)
Despite playing tackle (and tight end) in college, the Colts see their 2020 fifth-round pick making his bones in the NFL as interior lineman. Though Ballard and Co. love Pinter’s talent, fans might have to wait awhile to see it.
Behind Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Glowinski, the Colts already have Eldrenkamp and Javon Patterson. Ballard and Reich have taken the time to praise Eldrenkamp this offseason, and even though Patterson had his rookie season ruined by a knee injury, the team still has high hopes for their 2019 seventh-round pick. It’s not that Pinter can’t pass one or both on the depth chart, but his road to playing time looks tougher than those in front of him. The more likely scenario is his biggest impact days lie in the more distant future.
No. 14 Rodrigo Blankenship (K)
Seems high for a UDFA, doesn't it? Well, the Colts gave him $20,000 in guaranteed money -- the second highest total they handed to an UDFA -- and with Adam Vinatieri and the Colts still undecided about his future, the kicker job looks like it will be an open competition between Blankenship and Chase McLaughlin.
The man they call "Hot Rod" was last year’s Groza winner, the award honoring the nation’s top kicker. But he was superb during all four of his seasons at Georgia, delivering multiple clutch kicks early in his career while connecting on 82.5% of his field goals and drilling all 200 extra points. The only reason Blankenship doesn’t rank even higher on this list is the Colts like McLaughlin, who entered an awkward situation last season and fared well. Replacing the legendary but injured Vinatieri, McLaughlin made 5-of-6 field goals and all 11 extra points with the Colts. Even if Vinatieri isn’t in the mix during camp, this will be a fascinating competition to watch given how kicking woes upended the Colts last year.
No. 13: Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
On many teams, a sixth-round cornerback might be considered a red-shirt rookie. But not on Matt Eberflus’ defense. The Colts defensive coordinator firmly believes in throwing young players into the mix early in their careers. That’s not to say Rodgers will see significant snaps, but he should see some action here and there -- mostly in the slot.
Rodgers also has a chance to provide some value on special teams. He was a dynamic return man in college and while those duties currently belong to Nyheim Hines, Rodgers could work his way into a reserve role there, too.
No. 12: Robert Windsor (DT)
Though only a sixth-round pick this year, Windsor has a chance to see immediate playing time. Eberflus envisions rotating at least four bodies through the interior. DeForest Buckner and Denico Autry are locks, so Windsor will have to win a competition with newcomer Sheldon Day as well as incumbents Grover Stewart and Tyquan Lewis. Giving Windsor an edge in the battle will be his ability to play both the one- and three-techniques inside. Eberflus and the Colts love players who boast the versatility to play multiple positions. If he proves capable at both spots, he could start getting into the rotation early.
No. 11: Jordan Glasgow (LB)
The linebacking depth chart is stacked. Fortunately for the last of the Colts' four sixth-round rookies, he won’t have to beat out Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke and the rest to see the field. The ex-Wolverine is going to see plenty of action on special teams. The Colts drafted him to make an immediate impact in the third phase of the game. Assuming he does that, he’ll make a bigger impact in Year 1 than plenty of his draft class peers.
No. 10: Roosevelt Nix (FB)
For a team that didn’t employ a fullback last season, the Colts envision Nix on the field quite a bit in 2020. Reich estimated earlier this offseason about 10-20% percent of the offensive plays, so something like 7-13 per game. Nix will serve as a road-grader for a team that showed this offseason it remains determined to grind foes into the ground. Nix is also expected to be a major contributor on special teams.
No. 9: Julian Blackmon (S)
Of all 33 players, Blackmon was the toughest to rank. Fully healthy, he’s got a case for the top five. However, given that his timeline is up in the air following a torn ACL in December, he slides to the back of the top 10. There’s no doubt the Colts are downright giddy about the prospect of unleashing the No. 85 overall pick. They see Blackmon as a Swiss Army knife safety, someone who can play centerfield, up in the box against the run and match up 1-on-1 with tight ends and big receivers. Looking at how quickly Khari Willis got on the field last season and how much playing time Eberflus likes to allot to safeties, there’s no doubt a healthy Blackmon will have a big impact upon his return. If he comes back in time to play 75% or more of the games, this ranking will look silly.
No. 8: Sheldon Day (DT)
Day is going to fit nicely inside a Colts rotation that will allow him to be featured as a run-stuffer who can occasionally get after the quarterback. The Warren Central graduate and Notre Dame product more often than not will come off the field in passing situations, making way for the likes of DeForest Buckner, Denico Autry and other pass-rushers on the interior. However, given his background in San Francisco’s attacking front, he’ll be useful against the run and pass on early downs.
Last season, Day played a career-high 32% of the 49ers’ defensive snaps. To see him play more than that on an Eberflus defense that loves to rotate fresh bodies in would be a surprise.
No. 7: T.J. Carrie (CB)
Carrie won’t be listed as a starter, but he could find himself on the field an awful lot this season. The ex-Brown and Raider was brought to Indianapolis to provide depth not just behind Kenny Moore in the slot, but Rhodes and Ya-Sin on the outside. Moore has missed six games the past two seasons while Rhodes has missed three.
Of course, Carrie won’t only serve as depth. There will be sub packages and matchups where Eberflus sees fit to deploy him. Still, he’ll be one of the Colts’ most important reserves. The defense fell apart last season without Moore on the field. If he were to miss time again, it will be incumbent upon Carrie to be the Band-Aid the Colts need.
No. 6: Trey Burton (TE)
If there’s one ranking to feel uneasy about, it’s this one. Burton certainly has the potential to be a high-impact player, but he must stay healthy to do so. He couldn’t do that last season, causing the Bears to part ways with him this offseason. If Burton can return to the Philadelphia form Reich knows so well, he has a chance at a career season. That sounds like hyperbole, but consider that his season-best in catches, yards and touchdowns are 54, 569 and six, respectively. Now think back to Eric Ebron’s magical season in 2018 (66 catches, 750 yards, 13 touchdowns) and remember that’s who Burton is meant to replace in the offense.
No. 5: Michael Pittman Jr. (WR)
The Colts have likened Pittman to former NFL star Vincent Jackson. A lofty comparison to be sure but an apt one given their similar sizes (6-4, 223 pounds for Pittman and 6-5, 230 for Jackson) and draft stock (second-round picks). Still, it should be noted then, that Jackson didn’t fully break out until his fourth NFL season and wasn’t a regular starter until Year 3. Pittman could be one of the rare rookies receivers who finds his footing in Year 1, but it shouldn’t be seen as a given. Especially in a run-first offense that will still feature T.Y. Hilton as its top target along with Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal, Jack Doyle, Trey Burton and Nyheim Hines.
No. 4: Jonathan Taylor (RB)
Given the learning curve most rookie receivers face and the challenging circumstances surrounding this offseason, the edge to biggest impact rookie goes to Taylor. Running backs generally adjust quicker to the nuances of the NFL game, and Taylor should be no different. He played three seasons in a pro-style offense at Wisconsin, so while the NFL is a step up, it’s not the giant leap it will be for some.
Taylor was brought to Indianapolis to be a game-breaker, to hit home runs, and he’ll get the at bats he needs to do so. The Colts gave their running backs 469 touches last season (399 carries, 70 catches). Given that total and Taylor’s position as one half of the Colts’ 1-2 punch with Marlon Mack, it’s fair to say he’s in line to see somewhere around 200 touches in 2020. With that amount of work and the offensive line in front of him, 1,000 scrimmage yards isn’t out of the question.
No. 3: Xavier Rhodes (CB)
Rock Ya-Sin is the future of the position for the Colts, but entering the 2020 season, Rhodes is the presumed No. 1 corner on the outside. Eberflus wasn’t shy about suggesting that despite Rhodes’ recent struggles in Minnesota, he thinks the lanky corner can get back to Pro Bowl form. If he does, the Colts’ defense is going to be a force. With Buckner solidifying the defensive front, Leonard leading the linebackers, and Moore a weapon in the slot, a shutdown corner on the outside might be what takes the Colts to the next level. When the Colts were a top 10 defense in 2018, Pierre Desir and Denico Autry were enjoying career seasons. While their slips in play weren’t the only reason the Colts defense took a step back last season, they were major contributors. Buckner erases the worry on the interior, but if Rhodes can’t rediscover his Pro Bowl form, the Colts could be in trouble. Carrie isn’t supposed to be more than a reserve and if Ya-Sin/Tell aren’t ready to take the No. 1 mantle, the Colts will have issues.
No. 2 Philip Rivers (QB)
He’s the biggest win-now gamble Ballard has risked since taking the helm of the franchise. If the 38-year-old Rivers still has hall-of-fame caliber football left in him -- and Reich is sure he does -- the Colts will be AFC contenders. But if by November, we already know Rivers will be coaching high school football next September, the Colts will likely find themselves on the outside of the since-expanded playoff picture. The only reason Rivers doesn’t rank first on this list is the presence of Brissett. If Rivers were to get hurt or make his struggles last season look like just the tip of the iceberg, Brissett could step in and take the Colts back to the postseason. The argument is simple: They were a .500 team with him last year. With Buckner and a half-decent kicking game, the Colts probably make the postseason. In other words, a full-fledged Rivers collapse wouldn’t spell doom for Indianapolis. Not the way it might if the next guy on this list busts.
No. 1: DeForest Buckner (DT)
The odds of Buckner coming up bust seem infinitesimal. At 26 years old, he’s just entering his prime and is already a bona fide star. The question really shouldn’t be whether or not he’ll bust but rather, will he take the leap into superstardom and join the ranks of the league’s truly elite interior disruptors (Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox)? If he does that, the $21 million per year he’s set to make and the first-round pick Ballard sent to San Francisco to acquire him will feel like a bargain. Still, the real reason Buckner was brought to Indianapolis was to transform the Colts defense from the inside out. The three-technique tackle has been touted as the team’s missing link, the player who can elevate the whole defense from good to great. That’s a lot of pressure to put on one player, but make no mistake about it: that’s the mission.
Follow IndyStar Colts Insider Jim Ayello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @jimayello.
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