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INDIANAPOLIS — If you look at any NFL roster long enough, it's pretty clear to tell that teams have "types" all across the board.
Do teams want small, fast guys, or big, strong guys? And while teams like to stick to the physical and athletic thresholds they set for positions, nothing is set in stone. Maybe a player has a trait that makes up for what they lack in a different area.
While most teams vary in what they're looking for at different position groups, the annual NFL Scouting Combine gives them a chance to see those traits highlighted in more than 300 draft hopefuls.
On the surface, the Combine is a showcase for players to put their physical skills on display in on-field workouts. However, players' medical reports, their interviews with teams and their physical measurements are every bit as important.
This year, the Combine is going to have a new feel. Aside from on-field drills moving to more viewer-friendly time slots, the NFL announced that there will be 16 new on-field drills introduced this year in order to help maximize viewer entertainment while also bringing the on-field drills closer to replicating actual football.
Each position group has something new being added to it, often taking place of a drill that is no longer considered to accurately translate to the football field. For a full list of what drills are being added, changing or replaced, click here.
With the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine coming to the Indianapolis Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium next week, we broke down each of the Indianapolis Colts' position groups to see what kind of players might be their "types." These numbers indicate how each player performed at the Combine or their pro day, as not everyone performs at both (and many aren't invited to the Combine).
Each position group is broken into three categories:
- Players who were either drafted or signed as undrafted free agents by general manager Chris Ballard, who joined the team in 2017
- Players who were already in the NFL and have been acquired by Ballard through free agency, waivers or by trade
- Players who were already on the roster when Ballard arrived
These categories help show what Ballard and the Colts may look for in brand new players who have yet to get to the NFL, players who are new to them but already have some sort of NFL experience, and players who fit the roster despite the change in front office.
Without further ado, let's get into the Colts' roster.
QUARTERBACKS
None of the quarterbacks on the Colts' roster were brought into the league by the team, so we don't completely know what their ideal quarterback prospect looks like. However, there are some similarities that all three of their quarterbacks share.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: None
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Jacoby Brissett, Brian Hoyer, Chad Kelly
- Each was at least 6'1-3/4"
- Each was at least 215 pounds
- Each had at least 32" arm length
- Each had at least 9-1/8" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 5.02 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split (first 10 yards of the 40) of at most 1.62
- Kelly was not invited to the 2017 Combine and was nursing an ACL tear during pre-draft process
A quarterback's height/length and hand size are something we've been hearing about forever now. Around the league, traditional standards for quarterbacks are that you want them to be at least 6'0" with hands of at least nine inches. There are outliers, of course, as guys like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray are special talents. For the Colts, this hits the mark as all of their quarterbacks are at least 6'1" and 215 pounds with larger than nine-inch hands and 32-inch arms. This ensures they have guys who are tall enough to see over the offensive line with arms long enough to generate power and get the ball over said line. Their weight also indicates that they can take hits. While the speed/agility drills for quarterbacks may not always seem important, it does gauge how swiftly a quarterback may be able to escape the pocket. The Colts have signal-callers who have enough wheels to evade pressure. Although Chad Kelly was rehabbing a major knee injury during his pre-draft process, his tape indicates he almost certainly would've run in the neighborhood of 5.0, and likely below it.
Already on roster: None
RUNNING BACKS
Judging by the Colts' roster, the Colts prefer running backs who are big enough to run between the tackles. Nyheim Hines is the outlier, but although he is smaller in most categories, he has outstanding speed, quickness, receiving and return-game ability. He also weighed nearly 200 pounds, allowing him to have some bulk to him. Generally, the Colts' running backs have a frame that allows them to keep a low center of gravity, are big enough to take hits in between the tackles, have arms long enough to keep defenders at a distance with stiff arms and while they are in pass protection and hands big enough to keep a handle on the ball. While their 40-yard dash times aren't eye-opening, their overall explosion scores look good as a result of their vertical and broad jumps, and 10-yard splits.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'0-1/2"
- Each was at least 198 pounds
- Each had at least 8-7/8" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.53 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.56
- Each had a short shuttle time of at most 4.27
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 35-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 121"
Again, Hines skews the numbers a bit, but Marlon Mack and Jordan Wilkins average 5'11-5/8" and 214.5 pounds between them. They both have hands of at least nine inches, ran their 40 in the low 4.5s, had a 10-yard split in the mid-1.5s, a short shuttle of 4.22, verticals of at least 35-1/2" and broad jumps of at least 123 inches.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Jonathan Williams, Bruce Anderson III, Darius Jackson
- Each was at least 5'10-3/4"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'4-1/2"
- Each was at least 210 pounds
- Each had at least 8-5/8" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.63 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.58
- Each had a short shuttle time of at most 4.47
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 31"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 119"
This is a group of bigger guys, all relatively close in size, who can pound the ball between the tackles. They average 5'11-1/3" and 216.7 pounds with 31.6-inch arms. Speed and explosion scores weren't great, but they already had time in the NFL.
Already on roster: None
WIDE RECEIVERS
With only three of their 14 receivers under 6'0", their average size is 6'0-4/5", 202.2 pounds with a 6'4-5/6" wingspan and 9'0-1/8" hands. The Colts clearly aim for guys in the ballpark of at least 6'0" and 200 pounds, with speed also being a big factor. This allows them to get separation, win 50-50 ball situations and even pick up yards after the catch.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Parris Campbell, Daurice Fountain, Ashton Dulin, Steve Ishmael
- Each was at least 5'11-7/8"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'3-5/8"
- Each was at least 205 pounds
- Each had at least 9-1/2" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.59 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.65
- Each had a short shuttle time of at most 4.38
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 32-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 121" (except Steve Ishmael)
This is a group of long, athletic guys. In general, they're in the (at least) 6'0", 200-pound range. While they likely would've preferred everyone be at least 6'0", they fell in love with Parris Campbell's speed and playmaking ability. He's also only an eyelash under 6'0". Only one of them had a 40 above 4.51, a short shuttle above 4.29, a vertical below 38" and a broad jump below 121" (Steve Ishmael).
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Zach Pascal, Devin Funchess, Dontrelle Inman, Marcus Johnson, Chad Williams, Artavis Scott, Malik Henry, Rodney Adams
- Each was at least 6'0-1/2" (except Artavis Scott)
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'1-3/4"
- Each was at least 183 pounds
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.56 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.66
- Each had a short shuttle time of at most 4.49
- Each had a broad jump of at least 116"
This is a tall, long group of guys who can go up and get the football. They generally had quality 40 and short shuttle times, and broad jumps.
Already on roster: T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 35-1/2"
While they're different athletes, Hilton and Rogers are both faster, athletic receivers who lack elite size, but were both picked up by the former front office.
TIGHT ENDS
The common theme with this group: size and length. They average 6'5-2/7", 255.6 pounds with a wingspan of 6'8-2/3" and 10-3/8" hands. Tight ends have to be tough, make catches over the middle, but also be bulky enough to handle blocking duties.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Mo Alie-Cox
Only one current tight end was brought into the league by Ballard, and he's a bit of an anomaly. Mo Alie-Cox has elite size, coming in at 6'5-1/2", 262 pounds with a 7'1" wingspan and 11-3/4" hands. The former basketball player is also a great athlete, running a 4.75 40-yard dash with a 35-1/2" vertical and a 7.25-second three-cone.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Eric Ebron, Xavier Grimble, Ian Bunting, Matt Lengel, Billy Brown
- Each was at least 6'3-3/8"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'7"
- Each was at least 247 pounds
- Each had at least 10" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.79 seconds (except Ian Bunting)
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 29"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 117" (except Xavier Grimble)
With the exception of their jumps, their athletic scores vary, but size is a common theme with these guys.
Already on roster: Jack Doyle
His athletic attributes aren't exceptional, but he's just a football player and does everything well. His measurements are right in line with the rest of the group at 6'5-1/5", 254 pounds with a 6'5-3/8" wingspan and 9-3/8" hands.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
The Colts like their offensive tackles with plenty of height and length, as their shortest one was 6'5-1/4", and the shortest wingspan was 6'5-7/8". They all also had verticals of at least 28-1/2" and broad jumps of at least 101". With their length, they can keep defenders at a distance, and their explosion scores show that they can fire off the ball.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Braden Smith
Braden Smith was actually originally drafted to be a guard, but he's got versatile size for either position at 6'6-1/4", 315 pounds with a wingspan of 6'6-1/8" and 9-3/8" hands.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Brandon Hitner, Travis Vornkahl, Andrew Donnal, Cedrick Lang
- Each was at least 6'5-7/8"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'5-7/8"
- Each was at least 265 pounds
- Each had at least 9" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 5.31 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.84 (except Andrew Donnal)
- Each had a short shuttle of at most 4.77
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 28-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 101"
This group appeared to have a couple of project players in it, as two of them weighed under 290 pounds during their pre-draft process. Still, height and length are common.
Already on roster: Anthony Castonzo, Joe Haeg, Le'Raven Clark
- Each was at least 6'5-1/4"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'8-3/8"
- Each was at least 304 pounds
- Each had at least 9-5/8" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 5.21 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.80
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 29-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 105"
This trio are tall, long and athletic, all posting nice height, weight, wingspans and hands to go with quality speed times and jumps. They get to their targets quickly coming off of the ball.
GUARDS
With only four guards on the roster, the Colts acquired a certain type. They average 6'4-5/7", 314.6 pounds with a 6'8-9/10" wingspan and 10-1/4" hands. They all had a vertical between 26-31 inches and a broad jump between 105-113 inches.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Quenton Nelson
Nelson doesn't just play like a freak of nature; he's built that way also. Among Colts guards, he's the tallest (6'5"), heaviest (325 pounds), has the longest wingspan (6'10-5/8") and has the second-biggest hands (10-3/8"). He also bench pressed 35 reps for good measure.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Mark Glowinski, Jake Eldrenkamp, Chaz Green
- Each was at least 6'4-1/2"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'6-3/4"
- Each was at least 302 pounds
- Each had at least 9-3/4" hands
- Each had a broad jump of at least 106"
This group was all in the same ballpark of size and broad jump.
Already on roster: None
CENTERS
Like the guards, there are only three centers on the roster, and they are pretty similar in measurement and athleticism. They average 6'3-1/9", 309.7 pounds with a 6'7-5/6" wingspan and 9-1/2" hands. They all had a 40 time between 5.03-5.13, a 10-yard split between 1.73-1.78, a vertical between 27-1/2 and 30 inches, a broad jump between 96-103 inches, and between 25-27 reps on the bench press.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Javon Patterson
Technically the smallest of the three, Javon Patterson measured in at 6'2-7/8", 307 pounds with a wingspan of 6'6-1/4" and nine-inch hands. He ran a 5.13 in the 40 with a 1.78 10-yard split, a 4.78 in the short shuttle, a 27-1/2" vertical, 98-inch broad jump, a 7.72 three-cone and 27 reps on the bench.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Josh Andrews
Andrews essentially ranked right in the middle on most categories between Patterson and Ryan Kelly.
Already on roster: Ryan Kelly
Kelly is the tallest of the three at 6'4", tied for the most weight (311) and wingspan (6'8-5/8"), was tied for the best 40 (5.03), had the best short shuttle (4.59), vertical (30") and broad jump (103").
DEFENSIVE ENDS
You can see a correlation between weak-side ends and strong-side ends here, as there are those who are taller, lighter and faster, and then those who may be a little shorter and heavier, but all have long arms and quality explosion scores. You'll see a common theme with the Colts defenders — and I'll mention it a hundred times — is length/wingspan. Guys with longer arms often have quality strength, they can keep their man at a distance, and they can stretch to the ball or ball carrier better.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu, Gerri Green, Jegs Jegede
- Each was at least 6'3-1/2"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'6-3/8"
- Each was at least 250 pounds
- Each had at least 9" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.65 seconds (except Jegs Jegede)
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.65
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 35"
Ballard certainly likes the long, fast types with bend at defensive end. Particularly Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu and Gerri Green, all of whom measured extremely close in height, arm length, wingspan, weight, 40 time and 10-yard split.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Justin Houston, Jabaal Sheard, Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Each was at least 6'2-7/8"
- Each had at least 33-1/4" arm length
- Each was at least 253 pounds
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.75 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.65
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 30-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 112"
These guys are a little different than the previous group. While the first group are mostly right/rush end types who are faster and more athletic, this group is more left/strong end types who are bigger and stronger.
Already on roster: None
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Whether they are a large nose tackle or a shiftier, athletic three-technique, essentially everyone has good height, length and explosion scores. The Colts like to acquire bigger collegiate defensive ends with versatile size who can shift inside to play three-technique. It gives them players who can play multiple positions, who are often quicker inside than interior offensive linemen are used to dealing with. Guys like Tyquan Lewis, Denico Autry and Margus Hunt have all had bright moments in that type of role.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Grover Stewart, Tyquan Lewis
- Each was at least 6'3-1/4"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'7-5/8"
One is a nose tackle (Grover Stewart) while the other is a three-technique (Lewis), so there's definitely going to be differences in their measurements and athletic scores, but they've got a couple similarities in size. For example, they both have quality height and great wingspans. Lewis is a hybrid defensive tackle/end whose size and athleticism allows him to play multiple spots along the line.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Denico Autry, Margus Hunt, Trevon Coley
- Each had a short shuttle of at most 4.51 seconds
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 29-1/2"
As a group, they don't have many similarities, but it's because Autry and Hunt are much more similar while Trevon Coley is an outlier. Autry and Hunt have wingspans between 6'10-1/2" and 7'0", weighed between 273-277 pounds and had broad jumps between 115-121". Autry and Hunt are both also able to move around from defensive tackle to end.
Already on roster: None
LINEBACKERS
This is the only position group on the roster where everyone was brought into the league by Ballard, and he certainly has a type over the last couple of years. Six of the seven linebackers were picked up since 2018 when the Colts switched to the 4-3, Cover-2 base defense. Those six linebackers average 6'1-1/2" with a wingspan of 6'7-1/4", 231.8 pounds, a 40 time of 4.64, vertical of 35-1/2" and a broad jump of 123". In general, the Colts go for guys with decent height, lighter weight and excellent wingspan and speed.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke, Matthew Adams, Zaire Franklin, Skai Moore, E.J. Speed
- Each was at least 6'0"
- Each was at least 224 pounds and at most 239 pounds
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.73 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.69
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 33-1/2" (except Anthony Walker)
- Each had a broad jump of at least 115"
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: None
Already on roster: None
CORNERBACKS
Yet again, "length" is the name of the game here. Even though the Colts have five corners who are technically under 6'0", the smallest wingspan among them is 6'0", and the shortest arms are 29-5/8". For example, Kenny Moore II may be only 5'9", but he's got the longest arms among all corners at 32-5/8", which makes him much longer than his actual height. All of their corners are also at least 190 pounds, as they are required to be solid tacklers. They also had quality 40 and short shuttle times to go with good vertical and broad jumps, showing acceleration and explosion. You've got to be able to go up and challenge the ball in contested catch situations.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Rock Ya-Sin, Quincy Wilson, Marvell Tell III
- Each was at least 5'11-3/4"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'4"
- Each was at least 192 pounds
- Each had at least 9-5/8" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.59 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.6
- Each had a short shuttle of at most 4.18
Ballard's drafted corners are a lengthy, athletic bunch, with the shortest wingspan coming at 6'4". Good luck throwing into tight windows against these guys.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Kenny Moore II, Pierre Desir, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Lafayette Pitts, Jackson Porter, Picasso Nelson Jr.
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'3-1/4" (except Lafayette Pitts)
- Each was at least 190 pounds
- Each had at least 9" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.52 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.59
- Each had a short shuttle of at most 4.4
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 33-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 122"
The shortest group of corners, the veterans all still have length, stout weight and good athleticism.
Already on roster: None
SAFETIES
As is custom with Colts defensive backs, they've got to be long, thick enough to absorb hits, and athletic. Each group checks those boxes, though there are clear differences in some of their free safety (long and lean) and strong safety (210 pounds-plus) types. Most of their safeties are capable of playing either free or strong safety, or even dropping into the slot.
Drafted/signed as UDFA by Chris Ballard: Malik Hooker, George Odum, Khari Willis
- Each was at least 5'10-7/8"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'2-3/8"
- Each was at least 201 pounds
- Each had at least 9-1/2" hands
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.52 seconds
- Each had a short shuttle of at most 4.19
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 33-1/2"
- Each had a broad jump of at least 118"
- Each had at least 22 reps on the bench press
- Malik Hooker did not participate in on-field drills at the 2017 Combine after rehabbing labrum and hernia surgeries
Hooker and George Odum were both at least 6-1" and weighed in the low-to-mid 200s while Willis was a touch shorter and heavier. Hooker and Odum are considered more free safety types while Willis has the frame of a strong safety.
Free agent/trade acquisition by Chris Ballard: Rolan Milligan, Isaiah Johnson, Kai Nacua
- Each was at least 5'10-1/5"
- Each had a wingspan of at least 6'1-3/8"
- Each was at least 195 pounds
- Each had a 40-yard dash time of at most 4.63 seconds
- Each had a 10-yard split of at most 1.59
- Each had a vertical leap of at least 34""
- Each had a broad jump of at least 118"
This group meshes well with the rest of the safety group, averaging just under 6'0" with a wingspan of roughly 6'3-1/2" and weighing 204.3 pounds. Their 40s are all in the 4.5-4.6 range with vertical and broad jumps in the mid-to-high 30s and mid-120 range, respectively.
Already on roster: Clayton Geathers
Although Ballard inherited Clayton Geathers, the elder statesman at safety group fits in with the rest nicely. He's the tallest at 6'1-5/8" and heaviest at 218 pounds, and his wingspan was measured at 6'4-5/8". He also impressed with a 4.55 40-yard dash, 37-inch vertical, a 120-inch broad jump and 22 reps on the bench press at his Combine.
