INDIANAPOLIS – After months of roster construction, a nine-week offseason program, a three-week Training Camp and four preseason games, the Colts have their 53-man roster.
Here's a look at each position and the makeup of that group:
Quarterbacks (2): Matt Hasselbeck, Andrew Luck
Bowen's Analysis: In this day and age in the NFL, not many teams have the luxury of keeping three quarterbacks on a 53-man roster. With just 46 allowed to play on game day and your inevitable slew of injuries, having three quarterbacks on a 53-man roster is nearly impossible. Of course the duo of Andrew Luck and Matt Hasselbeck is about as solid of a quarterback pair you can ask for in 2014.
Running Backs (4): Ahmad Bradshaw, Dan Herron, Trent Richardson, Zurlon Tipton
Bowen's Analysis: When Vick Ballard went down early in camp, rumors began on where the Colts would turn to find another back. There was no panic inside of the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center thanks to the emergence of Boom Herron. Tipton also made an impression during camp and in the preseason giving the Colts four capable backs on their 53-man roster.
Fullbacks (1): Mario Harvey
Bowen's Analysis: With Stanley Havili on PUP for the first six weeks of the season, Harvey is your guy at fullback. Harvey made the move to fullback from inside linebacker (something you don't see very often in the NFL) earlier this offseason. The play from Harvey on special teams makes him a very worthy roster candidate.
Wide Receivers (6): T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Hakeem Nicks, Da'Rick Rogers, Reggie Wayne, Griff Whalen
Bowen's Analysis: The talk all offseason long was what would be the magical number at the receiver position. As camp unfolded in Anderson, cutting below six looked more and more difficult. With three 1,000-yard receivers leading the group, it will be interesting to watch the roles for Moncrief, Rogers and Whalen.
Tight Ends (3): Dwayne Allen, Jack Doyle, Coby Fleener
Bowen's Analysis: Another competitive position battle ends with Doyle on the 53-man roster. The Indianapolis native joined the Colts following final cuts last year and has found a niche in this young tight end group. Now, we will watch how the reps/roles are divided for the duo of Allen and Fleener.
Offensive Line (10): Thomas Austin, Anthony Castonzo, Gosder Cherilus, Jonotthan Harrison, Khaled Holmes, Lance Louis, Jack Mewhort, Xavier Nixon, Joe Reitz, Hugh Thornton
Bowen's Analysis: No real surprises here as the depth began to emerge over the past couple of weeks. Outside of Lance Louis, the Colts are very young among their five interior guys. Players like Joe Reitz and Xavier Nixon give you plenty of flexibility at the swing tackle spots. However, the unit's health is a concern right now and the line depth will be tested early in 2014.
Defensive Line (7): Josh Chapman, Montori Hughes, Arthur Jones, Ricky Jean Francois, Zach Kerr, Jonathan Newsome, Cory Redding
Bowen's Analysis: The dance moves from Kerr will stay in Indianapolis. He's the perfect example of an undrafted free agent making the most of his opportunities (unfortunately many due to injuries). Veterans on the outside, flank the youth on the interior along this defensive line.
Linebackers (8): Jerrell Freeman, D'Qwell Jackson, Cam Johnson, Josh McNary, Henoc Muamba, Andy Studebaker, Erik Walden, Bjoern Werner
Bowen's Analysis: This group was probably the most competitive position with so many quality guys at the outside and inside spots. With Robert Mathis' roster spot (doesn't count towards the 53-man roster due to his suspension) you might have an extra body here for the first month of the season. You have some young depth at inside linebacker from the likes of McNary and Muamba.
Cornerbacks (5): Darius Butler, Vontae Davis, Josh Gordy, Loucheiz Purifoy, Greg Toler
Bowen's Analysis: The battle for that final corner spot was certainly intense down the stretch. Similar to the wide receiver position, that fifth corner has to be somebody who can impact the game on special teams. Purifoy fits the bill as a cover guy and potential returner.
Safeties (4): Mike Adams, Colt Anderson, Sergio Brown, LaRon Landry
Bowen's Analysis: With Delano Howell being waived-injured, this position carries four bodies into the regular season. While the starting spot next to LaRon Landry still hasn't been written in ink, you do go into the regular season with four veterans at a position that is so critical to the Colts defensive' success in 2014.
Specialists (3): Pat McAfee, Matt Overton, Adam Vinatieri
Bowen's Analysis: No drama with these position battles. The Colts can continue to sleep easy knowing they have their "fourth down players" back for another year, led by one of the best punting/kicking duos in the league.
