Predicting winners of 7 Colts position battles before preseason finale

The Indianapolis Colts are set to conclude their preseason with a home game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. As the team prepares to finalize their roster, several key position battles remain undecided. Based on recent performances and training camp insights, here are the predicted outcomes of these crucial matchups.

In the quarterback competition, Anthony Richardson is expected to edge out Riley Leonard for the backup role. Richardson has shown a stronger overall preseason performance, particularly in extending plays. DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley are both vying for a roster spot at running back three. While Giddens has missed significant time due to a hamstring injury, Bentley has made notable contributions in the passing game.

Thus, Bentley is projected to secure the spot. Laquon Treadwell and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are competing for another roster position. With the Colts adding Keenan Allen, it remains unclear which of the two will make the team, but Treadwell has had more playing time and can impact multiple special teams units. Dalton Tucker and Jimmy Morrissey are squared off for the starting center position.

Tucker, with more experience in Shane Steichen's offense, appears to have the edge. Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi are battling for the final roster spot at defensive tackle. Neither player has distinguished themselves during the preseason, and the Colts will likely retain just four defensive tackles. For the starting linebacker spot, Jaylon Carroll and CJ Allen are the leading contenders.

Akeem Davis-Gaither seems to have one starting role locked in, while Carroll and Allen are likely to share the other starting position in a rotation. Lastly, Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe are still competing for the starting kicker position. Grupe has been more accurate overall, but Shrader has excelled in preseason performances. Therefore, it is anticipated that Shrader will be the one starting.