Final prediction for the Indianapolis Colts' 2024 53-man roster following their preseason finale

The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their final preseason game of the year with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next on the docket will be making the tough decisions necessary to reduce their roster from 90 to 53 by Tuesday, August 27, at 4 PM EST.

Now that we've seen everything from this group, below is my official prediction on who will make the Colts' 2024 53-man roster.

Final 2024 Colts 53-man roster prediction

QB (2):

1. Anthony Richardson
2. Joe Flacco

Toughest Cut: Sam Ehlinger

Cutting Sam Ehlinger would hurt a lot of Colts fans, who have gotten to watch him grow each year with the team. However, the new NFL rule that allows you to call the third quarterback up directly from the practice squad without a limit makes it feel like the roster spot should be used elsewhere. I'm sure the Colts would hope to get at least one of Ehlinger or Jason Bean back on the practice squad.

RB (4):

1. Jonathan Taylor
2. Trey Sermon
3. Evan Hull
4. Tyler Goodson

Toughest Cut: Zavier Scott

WR (6):

1. Michael Pittman Jr.
2. Josh Downs
3. Alec Pierce
4. Adonai Mitchell
5. Anthony Gould
6. Ashton Dulin

Toughest Cuts: D.J. Montgomery & Laquon Treadwell

TE (4):

1. Kylen Granson
2. Mo Alie-Cox
3. Drew Ogletree
4. Will Mallory
   * Jelani Woods assigned to new designated to return IR spot

Toughest Cut: NA

Jelani Woods' recent injury ended up deciding one of the toughest choices the Colts had to make this year for them. I expect the Colts to use one of the two new designated to-return IR spots on Woods. Then, keep the four TEs who have all spent time with the starters during training camp. Buckle in Colts fans, we have another TE by committee season to look forward to.

OL (9)

1. Bernhard Raimann (LT)
2. Quenton Nelson (LG)
3. Ryan Kelly (C)
4. Will Fries (RG)
5. Braden Smith (RT)
6. Matt Goncalves (T/G)
7. Blake Freeland (T)
8. Tanor Bortolini (C/G)
9. Dalton Tucker (G)

Toughest Cut: Danny Pinter (C), Jake Witt (T)

I really wanted to keep ten offensive linemen but struggled to make it work. I think there will end up being at least one player cut here that the Colts simply would rather not cut. I went with veteran Danny Pinter, I think he has the best chance of making it back to the team off of waivers. It came down to Pinter and UDFA Dalton Tucker, but after how strong of a preseason he has had, I just couldn't cut Tucker.

Edge Rushers (5):

1. Kwity Paye
2. Laiatu Latu
3. Tyquan Lewis
4. Dayo Odyingbo
5. Isaiah Land
   * Samson Ebukam assigned to new designated to return IR spot

Toughest Cut(s): Titus Leo

I think the other designated to-return IR spot will be used here on Samson Ebukam, who tore his Achilles earlier this offseason. With him out, I think the five shots are pretty locked up. The hardest cut is for sure Titus Leo, who showed improvement this season. If possible, I'm sure the team will want to get him back on their practice squad.

DT (5):

1. DeForest Buckner
2. Grover Stewart
3. Adetomiwa Adebawore
4. Raekwon Davis
5. Taven Bryan

Toughest Cut : Jonah Laulu

Jonah Laulu is another player who, if I were making the call, I'd find a way to keep around. I think he's flashed the upside the Colts drafted him because of, but he is still pretty clearly raw. He would benefit from a redshirt year on the active roster, here just aren't enough spots for the team to keep six at the position. Even though I'm afraid I have to disagree with the move, it seems like they will roll with Taven Bryan's experience for the fifth DT spot.

LB (5):

1. Zaire Franklin
2. E.J. Speed
3. Segun Olubi
4. Grant Stuard
5. Jaylon Carlies

Toughest Cut: Cameron McGrone

CB (6):

1. Kenny Moore II
2. Juju Brents
3. Jaylon Jones
4. Darrell Baker Jr.
5. Dallis Flowers
6. Jaylin Simpson

Toughest Cut(s): Micah Abraham & Chris Lammons

I think cutting Micah Abraham was the toughest of any cut I made in this article. I tried everything I could to talk myself into how to keep seven CBs, but I don't see a possible way. I honestly think it would hurt the Colts to cut either Abraham or Chris Lammons. On the bright side with Lammons, he wouldn't be subjected to waivers, so I could see the team bringing him back after some reconfigurations during the days after cut down.

S (4):

1. Julian Blackmon
2. Nick Cross
3. Ronnie Harrison Jr.
4. Trevor Denbow

Toughest Cut: Rodney Thomas II

This one likely will surprise people, but at the end of the day, I think Rodney Thomas II is the odd man out in the safety room. His poor tackling is a liability on the field and is responsible for far too many defensive lapses. I think safety is a position to watch for the Colts to put in a claim on the waiver wire, with them having the 15th highest priority spot.

ST (3):

• Matt Gay, Kicker
• Rigoberto Sanchez, Punter
• Luke Rhodes, Long Snapper

Toughest Cut: NA

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