Colts draft pick, veteran defender projected to miss 53-man roster

The Indianapolis Colts face tough decisions as they narrow their roster down to 53 players, with notable players potentially being left off the final roster. According to The Athletic's James Boyd's projections, running back DJ Giddens and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery are among those likely to be cut. Giddens, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, has been sidelined by a hamstring injury, which has given rookies Seth McGowan and Ulysses Bentley IV a chance to step up.

With Taylor, McGowan, and Bentley projected to make the cut, Giddens may not have a place on the team. Tillery's fate is different; he is considered the "hardest cut" along the defensive line due to the Colts' emphasis on depth in the trenches. The team's front seven, however, is already well-staffed, with DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Colby Wooden projected to survive the final cuts.

Wooden's versatility to play both 3-technique and nose tackle could give him an edge over Tillery. NFL teams must cut their rosters to 53 players by August 30.