Colts Projected Starters for 2020

[CR91]

 

Pascal        Campbell                  Doyle Castonzo Nelson Kelly Glowinski Smith       Hilton

        

                                                                                  Mack Rivers

 

 

                                                                   Turay Autry Buckner Houston

 

                                                                              Walker    Leonard

Ya-Sin            Moore                                                                                                             Rhodes

 

                                                                  Hooker                                        Willis

 

Some notes about this projected lineups

 

- Areas of need are WR, OL Depth, Future QB, TE, and S Depth in that order imo

- I put Turay as the starter, however I have seen Buckner lined up in DE in certain fronts for the 49ers so perhaps we'll see in run downs Buckner kick out to DE with Day and Stewart at DT and bring in Turay and Autry on pass downs.

- As much as I like Willis, we play a lot of 3 safety formations with a box safety which I think is his role leaving us with no one to play SS. We could still sign Berry, but we'll see what happens.

- Colts need to figure out what their doing at WR because I think I speak for everyone that these 1 year WR rental deals have not worked. It has been Hilton by himself ever since Reggie retired and it doesn't help the fact Hilton is going into his final year along with several other starters as well. It would not surprise me if the Colts doubled down at WR in the draft in the first 4 rounds.

- I fully expect the colts to draft a QB somewhere with their first three picks, but they also need to move Brissett. I expect him to be cut with a June 1st designation.  

[Orioles22]

I thought the idea was to play Buckner at the 3 technique with Stewart and Day at nose tackle. I think we still need another defensive end in free agency.

I expect a wide receiver to be our first pick, with a quarterback or corner next, then a tackle in the third round and then a tight end if we don't sign another one.

[CR91]

11 minutes ago, Orioles22 said:

I thought the idea was to play Buckner at the 3 technique with Stewart and Day at nose tackle. I think we still need another defensive end in free agency.

I expect a wide receiver to be our first pick, with a quarterback or corner next, then a tackle in the third round and then a tight end if we don't sign another one.

 

We can do a lot of different things with Buckner. 49ers lined him up every where on the line

[HarryTheCat]

1 minute ago, CR91 said:

 

We can do a lot of different things with Buckner. 49ers lined him up every where on the line

He's your basic nightmare no matter where you line him up. Houston has to be licking his chops over the "clean-up" sacks he sees coming. 

 

[AZColt11]

Looks good to me.  Buckner is really the wild-card in this.  And they can bring in Okereke if they want more rush.  Bringing in Berry would be great if for no other reason than to be a teacher.  If he has anything left then depth would be great too.  The defense is looking much better.  Now for the offense......

[HarryTheCat]

9 minutes ago, AZColt11 said:

Looks good to me.  Buckner is really the wild-card in this.  And they can bring in Okereke if they want more rush.  Bringing in Berry would be great if for no other reason than to be a teacher.  If he has anything left then depth would be great too.  The defense is looking much better.  Now for the offense......

I'm hoping they go WR and TE in the 2nd. Getting Kmet with #44 wouldn't break my heart.

[John Hammonds]

8 hours ago, CR91 said:

 

We can do a lot of different things with Buckner. 49ers lined him up every where on the line

Although I agree that Buckner is supposed to be the 3-tech, you are right, we can line him up anywhere.

My other concern is that Turay hasn't earned the starting DE job.  Thing is, with Sheard unsigned, we don't have anybody that has truly earned it.  Not Banogu.  Not Lewis.  Not Turay.  Will be an issue, I think, going into training camp.  (Imagine a training camp on COVID19 lockdown.)

[throwing BBZ]

 

 Grover should be the "starter" on 1st downs. 
 Banogu & Lewis will battle it out for the starting position at DE.
   A QB in this draft makes no sense unless CB loves Love and he is willing to trade next years #1 to go get him if he falls a ways. 

[richard pallo]

Poor TY.  He is going to get double teamed all day unless Ballard finds another good starting vet WR.  Rookies rarely contribute out of the gate. 

[ColtStrong2013]

32 minutes ago, John Hammonds said:

Although I agree that Buckner is supposed to be the 3-tech, you are right, we can line him up anywhere.

My other concern is that Turay hasn't earned the starting DE job.  Thing is, with Sheard unsigned, we don't have anybody that has truly earned it.  Not Banogu.  Not Lewis.  Not Turay.  Will be an issue, I think, going into training camp.  (Imagine a training camp on COVID19 lockdown.)

ha, why because he had a season ending injury? Turay was one of the most efficient pass rushers in the league to start the season last year until his injury at the end of the Chiefs game. As long as he is healthy, he’s not only the starter... he’s the future of this defensive line, paired with Buckner. 

“Across the first five weeks of the season, Turay's 91.0 pass-rushing grade ranked second among all qualifying edge defenders, and his 22.9% pressure rate ranked second to only Nick Bosa. With Jabaal Sheard potentially leaving in free agency, there could be a golden opportunity for Turay to continue that progression across from Justin Houston." PFF on Turay being a breakout player in 2020. 

[ColtStrong2013]

14 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Poor TY.  He is going to get double teamed all day unless Ballard finds another good starting vet WR.  Rookies rarely contribute out of the gate. 

you continue saying this... after more rookie receivers made a big impact last season than ever. This team needs Campbell to perform and needs whatever 2nd round pick they pull in to perform like some of the rookies did last season. We also don’t know what we have quite yet with somebody like Pascal who had Brissett throwing to him last season, and still made huge strides in his game. I’m confident he’ll be better with Rivers. We’ll be fine.

[John Hammonds]

8 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

ha, why because he had a season ending injury? Turay was one of the most efficient pass rushers in the league to start the season last year until his injury at the end of the Chiefs game. As long as he is healthy, he’s not only the starter... he’s the future of this defensive line, paired with Buckner. 

“Across the first five weeks of the season, Turay's 91.0 pass-rushing grade ranked second among all qualifying edge defenders, and his 22.9% pressure rate ranked second to only Nick Bosa. With Jabaal Sheard potentially leaving in free agency, there could be a golden opportunity for Turay to continue that progression across from Justin Houston." PFF on Turay being a breakout player in 2020. 

I agree with you that he was one of the most effective pass rushers, before he got hurt.  But the starting DE also has to defend against the run, seal the edge... stuff that he hadn't proven he could do well yet.  I have high hopes  for Turay.  But they're just that -- hopes.  Until he proves he can do the other things, he's a 3rd down pass rush specialist.  I hope he puts more of his game together!

[aaron11]

13 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

“Across the first five weeks of the season, Turay's 91.0 pass-rushing grade ranked second among all qualifying edge defenders, and his 22.9% pressure rate ranked second to only Nick Bosa. With Jabaal Sheard potentially leaving in free agency, there could be a golden opportunity for Turay to continue that progression across from Justin Houston." PFF on Turay being a breakout player in 2020. 

He had like one big game against a backup tackle.  Surprised he even qualified

[Hark]

What a great improvement from last year. If 3T is the lynchpin of this defense, that unit should be stout. If we can get some help at TE and WR and OL depth, we will be set.

[richard pallo]

1 hour ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

you continue saying this... after more rookie receivers made a big impact last season than ever. This team needs Campbell to perform and needs whatever 2nd round pick they pull in to perform like some of the rookies did last season. We also don’t know what we have quite yet with somebody like Pascal who had Brissett throwing to him last season, and still made huge strides in his game. I’m confident he’ll be better with Rivers. We’ll be fine.

We each have our own opinion.  To be expected.  I agree Campbell needs to perform or ouch.  I think last years WR class was the exception not the rule.  And Pascal?  I'm not sure he was thought of highly enough to get drafted.  But he did have his moments no doubt.  Time will tell if Ballard is just going to go with the draft and what he currently has.  If he does poor TY IMO. 

[CR91]

2 hours ago, John Hammonds said:

Although I agree that Buckner is supposed to be the 3-tech, you are right, we can line him up anywhere.

My other concern is that Turay hasn't earned the starting DE job.  Thing is, with Sheard unsigned, we don't have anybody that has truly earned it.  Not Banogu.  Not Lewis.  Not Turay.  Will be an issue, I think, going into training camp.  (Imagine a training camp on COVID19 lockdown.)

 

Well imo, I can see this on run downs

 

Buckner Day Stewart Houston

 

And this on pass downs

 

Turay Autry Buckner Houston

[ColtStrong2013]

1 hour ago, richard pallo said:

We each have our own opinion.  To be expected.  I agree Campbell needs to perform or ouch.  I think last years WR class was the exception not the rule.  And Pascal?  I'm not sure he was thought of highly enough to get drafted.  But he did have his moments no doubt.  Time will tell if Ballard is just going to go with the draft and what he currently has.  If he does poor TY IMO. 

last years class wasn’t as good as this years. Not even close. So I’m not sure it’s crazy to think we can land one, maybe even two immediate impact guys. If our receiving class is as bad as everyone thinks it is, improving with the draft shouldn’t be a problem at all. Having a competent qb that can throw a receiver open and gets the ball out faster than 27 other starting quarterbacks should help with the receivers we have on roster. Adding talent in the draft is going to be icing. I count 8 first round graded receivers. And all 8 won’t go top 50, so we can realistically add two of them. 
 

“ It’s the depth. … We have 30 to 35 receivers with [at least] second- or third-round grades” Mel Kiper

 

last year’s class had two drafted in the first round, and they weren’t as good as the top 6 in this draft, IMO. 

[PrincetonTiger]

The only area that worries me is on the right side of the OL but that is just the Old Lineman And Pessimist in me 

[ColtStrong2013]

3 minutes ago, PrincetonTiger said:

The only area that worries me is on the right side of the OL but that is just the Old Lineman And Pessimist in me 

And the depth of the entire line... It concerns me more than any position group. 

[PrincetonTiger]

3 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

And the depth of the entire line... It concerns me more than any position group. 

Remember Patterson and possibly Elderkamp return 

[Rackeen305]

12 hours ago, HarryTheCat said:

He's your basic nightmare no matter where you line him up. Houston has to be licking his chops over the "clean-up" sacks he sees coming. 

 

Houston flourished once attention was put on other guys ala Dontori Poe, C.Jones. Dee Ford.

[ColtStrong2013]

22 minutes ago, PrincetonTiger said:

Remember Patterson and possibly Elderkamp return 

 

I know. Just haven’t seen those guys to feel comfortable compared to Haeg and Andrews.

[richard pallo]

13 hours ago, HarryTheCat said:

He's your basic nightmare no matter where you line him up. Houston has to be licking his chops over the "clean-up" sacks he sees coming. 

 

I'm hoping Clowney sees the same opportunity as Houston.  Extra advantage playing in doors  too. 

[PrincetonTiger]

35 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

 

I know. Just haven’t seen those guys to feel comfortable compared to Haeg and Andrews.

We will miss Haeg not sure about Andrews

[jameszeigler834]

I agree we will miss Haeg but Andrews not so much.

[GRUMPY OLD MAN]

1 hour ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

 

I know. Just haven’t seen those guys to feel comfortable compared to Haeg and Andrews.

going to need a backup center as kelly is hurt alot

[Rackeen305]

5 minutes ago, DEFENSE said:

going to need a backup center as kelly is hurt alot

(whistles) good catch...smh

[will426]

5 hours ago, John Hammonds said:

I agree with you that he was one of the most effective pass rushers, before he got hurt.  But the starting DE also has to defend against the run, seal the edge... stuff that he hadn't proven he could do well yet.  I have high hopes  for Turay.  But they're just that -- hopes.  Until he proves he can do the other things, he's a 3rd down pass rush specialist.  I hope he puts more of his game together!

Eh I agree the starting de has to seal the edge stop the run but if he’s not built that way he’s in the same predicament as Freeney/Mathis who couldn’t stop the run for crap but got after the passer let him come into his own what he is I’ll still take a good pass rusher period 

[AZColt11]

Buckner has the same body type as Calais Campbell so no doubt in my mind he could play DE for us when needed.  I agree with others that on passing downs he should be inside so we can add a 3rd pass rusher like Turay or Banogu.  Makes sense.

[EastStreet]

Stewart needs to be slotted as a starter. Stewart was playing 60+% of snaps last year after he took over as starter. I'd say at minimum, the combo of Stewart/Day gets at least 2/3rds of the snaps. Autry is likely the swing guy. Keep in mind Autry was a DE for Oakland IIRC.

 

First down, tweener, and short yardage situations

Houston/Stewart/Buckner/Autry. 

 

Passing Down

Houston/Autry/Buckner/Turay

[RollerColt]

10 hours ago, EastStreet said:

Autry is likely the swing guy. Keep in mind Autry was a DE for Oakland IIRC.

 

First down, tweener, and short yardage situations

Houston/Stewart/Buckner/Autry. 

 

Passing Down

Houston/Autry/Buckner/Turay

Yep he was. 
 

That would be one heck of a rotation. 

[Colt Overseas]

I feel like the need at left defensive end is under rated. The options that we have in Autry, Lewis and Muhammad are uninspiring to be honest.

 

I'd say the starter is Autry but he was playing at 290lbs last year which is too heavy. He could go back to his 2018 weight I suppose, but he needs to be able to be effective at tackle too. Lewis hasn't been a good draft pick so far, I'm not sure has he the upside to be a decent starter in this league. He has limitations athletically . Muhammad is a solid rotational piece.

 

Not a great year to draft an end either. I reckon Gross-Matos will drop out of the 1st round but no further than #40. Obviously Clowney is still in the market, but I doubt Ballard signs him. Ballard's drafting at defensive end so far hasn't been great imo. With the exception of some flashes from Turay, we have got very limited return from Turay, Lewis and Banogu while Basham is long gone.

 

[richard pallo]

1 hour ago, Colt Overseas said:

I feel like the need at left defensive end is under rated. The options that we have in Autry, Lewis and Muhammad are uninspiring to be honest.

 

I'd say the starter is Autry but he was playing at 290lbs last year which is too heavy. He could go back to his 2018 weight I suppose, but he needs to be able to be effective at tackle too. Lewis hasn't been a good draft pick so far, I'm not sure has he the upside to be a decent starter in this league. He has limitations athletically . Muhammad is a solid rotational piece.

 

Not a great year to draft an end either. I reckon Gross-Matos will drop out of the 1st round but no further than #40. Obviously Clowney is still in the market, but I doubt Ballard signs him. Ballard's drafting at defensive end so far hasn't been great imo. With the exception of some flashes from Turay, we have got very limited return from Turay, Lewis and Banogu while Basham is long gone.

 

Ballard probably agrees with your assessment.  Hence the attempt to sign Clowney. 

[Valpo2004]

On 3/29/2020 at 12:30 AM, CR91 said:

 

Pascal        Campbell                  Doyle Castonzo Nelson Kelly Glowinski Smith       Hilton

        

                                                                                  Mack Rivers

 

 

                                                                   Turay Autry Buckner Houston

 

                                                                              Walker    Leonard

Ya-Sin            Moore                                                                                                             Rhodes

 

                                                                  Hooker                                        Willis

 

Some notes about this projected lineups

 

- Areas of need are WR, OL Depth, Future QB, TE, and S Depth in that order imo

- I put Turay as the starter, however I have seen Buckner lined up in DE in certain fronts for the 49ers so perhaps we'll see in run downs Buckner kick out to DE with Day and Stewart at DT and bring in Turay and Autry on pass downs.

- As much as I like Willis, we play a lot of 3 safety formations with a box safety which I think is his role leaving us with no one to play SS. We could still sign Berry, but we'll see what happens.

- Colts need to figure out what their doing at WR because I think I speak for everyone that these 1 year WR rental deals have not worked. It has been Hilton by himself ever since Reggie retired and it doesn't help the fact Hilton is going into his final year along with several other starters as well. It would not surprise me if the Colts doubled down at WR in the draft in the first 4 rounds.

- I fully expect the colts to draft a QB somewhere with their first three picks, but they also need to move Brissett. I expect him to be cut with a June 1st designation.  

 

June 1st designation doesn't do anything for the cap situation because it's Brissett's last year.

 

The difference I'm pretty sure is that a pre-June 1st cut takes all of the pro-rated signing bonus and charges it against the cap right now.  

 

Post June 1st takes this year's bonus and charges it against the cap and then the combined rest of the bonus gets charged next year.  

 

In that way it helps even out the dead cap money because for example instead of taking 3 years worth of dead cap in one hit you can take 1 years worth followed by 2 years worth.

 

But all of that means that if the player is in the final year of his contract a post June 1st designation is meaningless.

 

 

[EastStreet]

3 hours ago, RollerColt said:

Yep he was. 
 

That would be one heck of a rotation. 

I think if he sheds some pounds, he'll be just fine and be a better option than Muhammad. I loved what I saw last year early from Turay on passing downs, Just not sure he can jump in and be effective on run downs, especially coming off the injury.

2 hours ago, Colt Overseas said:

I feel like the need at left defensive end is under rated. The options that we have in Autry, Lewis and Muhammad are uninspiring to be honest.

We're already the 3rd highest paid DL (only missed #1 by a few million), so while I'd love to have an improved LDE, I just happy to heck to add Buckner. And we've taken 4 DEs in the first 3 rounds (3 in the second) in the last couple years. Need them to step up.

2 hours ago, Colt Overseas said:

 

I'd say the starter is Autry but he was playing at 290lbs last year which is too heavy. He could go back to his 2018 weight I suppose, but he needs to be able to be effective at tackle too. Lewis hasn't been a good draft pick so far, I'm not sure has he the upside to be a decent starter in this league. He has limitations athletically . Muhammad is a solid rotational piece.

Yup, I think Autry will drop 15 pounds or more. He was pretty effective in 2018, so it's probably better for him to be honest. Muhammad should be very good depth. Lewis, is still young, but you have to question why he was passed up by even younger guys.  

2 hours ago, Colt Overseas said:

 

Not a great year to draft an end either. I reckon Gross-Matos will drop out of the 1st round but no further than #40. Obviously Clowney is still in the market, but I doubt Ballard signs him. Ballard's drafting at defensive end so far hasn't been great imo. With the exception of some flashes from Turay, we have got very limited return from Turay, Lewis and Banogu while Basham is long gone.

Honestly I really don't want another 2nd or 3rd round project DE lol.... I expect more out of Tury after he gets back in shape. Banogu is still early in his "project" days. He was completely raw and really hope he spent off season time with someone on technique. Stinks as this Covid situation has almost certainly impacted his growth. This is a make or break year for Lewis IMO.

[P'Son]

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but there will not be a 2020-2021 season.  Get over it and be content with what is important in life.

[EastStreet]

27 minutes ago, P'Son said:

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but there will not be a 2020-2021 season.  Get over it and be content with what is important in life.

I bet you're a hit at parties.

[CR91]

1 hour ago, P'Son said:

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but there will not be a 2020-2021 season.  Get over it and be content with what is important in life.

 

Little early to be hitting the panic button

[crazycolt1]

3 hours ago, CR91 said:

 

Little early to be hitting the panic button

The doom and gloom crowd is getting an early start. 

[EastStreet]

9 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

The doom and gloom crowd is getting an early start. 

 

It's like, "I know everybody is worried about the health and financial well being of their families, and I know the NFL season is a long time away, but let me attempt to crush any hope you have about your favorite team playing"