https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Denzelle-Good-Jersey , meaning final 53-man roster cuts will be here sooner than we know it. While the majority of the Colts 53-man roster is pretty..." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesStampede Blue homepageHorizontal - WhiteStampede Bluean Indianapolis Colts communityFollow Stampede Blue online:Follow Stampede Blue on TwitterFollow Stampede Blue on FacebookLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchStampede Blue main menuFanpostsFanshotsColtsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Breaking NewsAndrew Luck Retires×Fight for the 53-Man: Colts Key Preseason Positional Battles New,12commentsEDTTight End: Hale Hentges vs. Ross TravisThe Colts have their top 3 tight ends firmly solidified with Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron, and Mo Alie-Cox atop the depth chart. However, perhaps the most intriguing positional battle right now is the ongoing competition between undrafted rookie Hale Hentges and 4-year veteran Ross Travis. Highly regarded for his blocking ability, Hentges had been one of the most pleasant surprises of Colts training camp—having also showcased incredibly reliable hands and solid route running:The former Alabama Crimson tide team captain has caught 5 receptions for 53 receiving yards in two preseason games. Much like Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle—another undrafted rookie scooped up by the Colts, Hentges won’t necessarily ‘wow’ you on the field with outstanding athleticism, but he does a lot of little things deceptively well that can really help a team win football games. Meanwhile, Travis initially impressed after being claimed off waivers by the Colts from the Kansas City Chiefs in November of 2017—catching 2 receptions for 33 receiving yards in his debut game with Indianapolis. The 26 year old had a nice training camp and offseason in 2017, but his regular season was unfortunately over before it started after he suffered a torn ACL last year. To his credit, Travis has worked hard in his recovery, and it showed last weekend, as he caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Colts backup quarterback Chad Kelly: Verdict: Hale HentgesTo be honest, I am not sure either one of these tight ends would make it through waivers and ultimately end up on the Colts practice squad unclaimed—if push came to shove. That being said, Hentges, with his youth and blocking ability, seems like the safer bet for the Colts to protect on their 53-man roster. He may not be quite as explosive of a receiver in the passing game as Travis, but he seems like he would add more value on special teams and along the goal line—which is big for any team’s fourth tight end. Plus, based on purely pride, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Colts try really hard for an undrafted rookie to make their 53-man active roster for a 21st consecutive season—and Hentges is really the best bet of anyone right now. <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sZM3Jh">Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY SportsCornerback: Marvell Tell vs. Nate HairstonThe Colts top five corners appear to be set with Pierre Desir (starter), Rock Ya-Sin (starter), Kenny Moore (slot), Quincy Wilson (nickel), and Chris Milton (special teams). However, there appears to be room for at least one more cornerback to squeak on their 53-man roster between rookie Marvell Tell and 3rd-year veteran Nate Hairston. The Colts selected Marvell Tell in the 5th round of this year’s NFL Draft. An impressive athlete with a 42.0 inch vertical and a SPARQ rating that was in the 99.4% percentile (2nd best in his draft class at the position—only at safety), Tell has an abundance of the athletic traits that NFL scouts look for in a defensive back. However, his transition from collegiate safety to NFL cornerback hasn’t always been smooth, as he’s shown his fair share of growing pains in both training camp and preseason games. Specifically, Tell had two lapses in coverage last weekend and was called for a suspect defensive pass interference penalty, before having a nice pass breakup in coverage—somewhat redeeming himself. For what it’s worth though, he was also named to Pro Football Focus’ “Team of the Week’ in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills just a week prior. Meanwhile, his primary competition, Nate Hairston, is fighting to keep his spot on the 53-man roster. The 25 year old cornerback out of Temple had an impressive rookie season back in 2017 as a slot cornerback for the Colts. He then started 7 of the Colts first 8 games in 2018. However, injuries and ultimately ineffectiveness hampered his season last year—as he eventually fell out of the Colts cornerback rotation entirely. Hairston has so far shown some struggles in zone coverage during the preseason and is far better served being utilized in the slot as opposed to the outside. Verdict: Nate HairstonIt wouldn’t be shocking to see Nate Hairston ultimately traded, as the Colts already have their long-term slot cornerback, Kenny Moore, for the 53-man roster. Nevertheless, Hairston has more experience and much more polish than Tell at this stage of their respective careers at cornerback. This seems like it very well could be another “Daurice Fountain situation”, where the Colts select a raw, physical toolsy player (Tell) in the mid to late rounds of the draft, determine that he’s not quite ready for the 53-man, and try to sneak him through waivers and onto their practice squad for further development—much like Fountain last year. <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WY3xvV">Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesSafety: Rolan Milligan vs. Matthias FarleyThe Colts appear to have their top four safeties safely penciled in with Malik Hooker (starter), Clayton Geathers (starter), with two backups: rookie Khari Willis and 2nd-year veteran George Odum joining them. That leaves potentially one remaining spot between holdover Matthias Farley and last year’s practice squad and eventual active roster promotee Rolan Milligan. Farley is beloved by Colts general Chris Ballard and seems to be somewhat of a fan favorite among the Colts locker room, as well as the Indianapolis community at-large. Despite being productive when called upon, the former undrafted free agent from Notre Dame has been hindered by injuries as of late—having missed 11 games last season after suffering season-ending shoulder, groin, and wrist injuries. While Farley’s spot was once figured to be relatively safe, he was still playing late in this past Saturday’s preseason game—including on special teams—which is never a great sign for a potential bubble player’s roster security. Milligan was signed to the Colts practice squad in October of last season—as he had also spent previous time with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions organizations. He was promoted to the Colts active roster in January of 2019 in the wake of veteran safety Mike Mitchell’s season-ending injury. Verdict: Matthias FarleyIt would be one thing if Milligan was the “shiny new toy” with impressive physical measurables, considerable more youth, etc., to warrant replacing Farley—who could really use a healthy, bounce back season with Indianapolis. However Clayton Geathers Jersey , the Colts appear to really value what Farley brings to their locker room, special teams units, and there doesn’t appear to be enough in favor of Milligan to ultimately replace the 4-year veteran. <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Fk4WNC">Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWide Receiver: Zach Pascal vs. Other Roster NeedsOkay, this may be stretching the positional battles a bit, but just bear with me...If Pascal ultimately remains on the Colts final 53-man roster, it’ll be by the hair on his chiny, chin, chin because head coach Frank Reich has already said his teams typically haven’t carried six wide receivers—with T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, Parris Campbell, Deon Cain, and Chester Rogers as pretty much roster locks right now. The 24 year old Pascal caught 27 receptions for 268 receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions last season in 16 games (4 starts) for the Colts. Pascal is helped by the fact that he can return on special teams, which adds to his versatility—and also the fact that he arguably ran the best route of any Colts wide receiver last season against the Houston Texans (but I digress): However, the Colts already have wideout Chester Rogers, who is the primary punt returner, and backup running back Nyheim Hines has been given cracks as the team’s top kick returnman. Pascal is firmly on the bubble right now, and the chances of him staying on the Colts final 53-man roster very well might depend on whether the team can make it through these next two preseason games without any significant injuries. Verdict: Other Roster Needs. Whether it’s along the offensive or defensive line, or another position group all together—who knows, I think general manager Chris Ballard will look to add depth on the 53-man roster elsewhere—rather than at wide receiver—which would be too much of a team luxury. As we put the draft in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to look ahead at the AFC South and begin to try to predict how the division will break down in the upcoming season. To do that, we’ll take..." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesStampede Blue homepageHorizontal - WhiteStampede Bluean Indianapolis Colts communityFollow Stampede Blue online:Follow Stampede Blue on TwitterFollow Stampede Blue on FacebookLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchStampede Blue main menuFanpostsFanshotsColtsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Breaking NewsAndrew Luck Retires×Ranking the AFC South Position Groups: ReceiversNew,54commentsEDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Ranking the AFC South Position Groups: ReceiversTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesAs we put the draft in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to look ahead at the AFC South and begin to try to predict how the division will break down in the upcoming season. To do that, we’ll take each position group from each team and pit them against each other, ranking them from worst to best.To clarify how I’ll be arriving at these rankings, I will be taking various factors into account for each position group. For example, simply having the best running back doesn’t make a group the strongest if they have to run behind a cardboard cutout offensive line. The totality of the situation will be considered before arriving at a ranking.So far we’ve ranked quarterbacks and running backs, and today we’ll take a look at the wide receiver position. <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="w0JRP9">Jacksonville JaguarsPhoto by Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesIt may seem like I’m picking on the Jags, but they just have not done much to solidify their offense, and it shows. Nick Foles is going to have his work cut out for him this season, because he won’t have much to work with. Dede Westbrook is the team’s top receiver in terms of talent, and his 717 yard, 5 touchdown campaign in 2018 isn’t terrible, but it would be good for second on every other AFC South team except Indy, where it would rank third. Their second most productive receiver in 2018? Donte Moncrief, who left in free agency. Marquise Lee’s return from a knee injury that wiped out his 2018 season can hopefully fill the void left by Moncrief.D.J. Chark, Chris Conley, and Keelan Cole make up the rest of the room, and while they are a young group and someone could have a breakout season, there simply isn’t a lot of blue chip talent in the receiver room to hang your hat on. Nick Foles is a better quarterback than Blake Bortles, and that will likely mean better performances from the receivers, but how much can he be expected to raise their game? This offense seems set to be a tough watch. Tennessee TitansPhoto by Wesley Hitt/Getty ImagesThis was a really tough one, because there really is a pretty solid group of talent in the AFC South receiver rooms excepting Jacksonville. The thing keeping the Titans out of second here is that they don’t yet have an elite player at the wide receiver position. Corey Davis could have that kind of year and be the next big thing, but he isn’t there yet, and I don’t know that Marcus Mariota can get him there. Adam Humphries was a great addition to their roster and should give them a solid weapon out of the slot. He has been money over his past 3 seasons in that role and should easily be good for 600+ yards and a handful of touchdowns. Taywan Taylor and Tajae Sharp are both solid number depth players to fill out the room.However, it is rookie A.J. Brown that intrigues me. Brown is a very talented player out of Ole Miss. He has good athleticism and size to pair with his polished route running and hands. His consistent play is the kind many receivers don’t have when teams get swept away by combine numbers in favor of players who can do their jobs. He can play any position, and could immediately put himself in contention for a starting role and make this offense better.Houston TexansPhoto by Bob Levey/Getty ImagesThe Texans have the best receiver in the division in DeAndre Hopkins. There is an argument to be made that Hopkins is the best receiver in the NFL, and I’m not going to make it here, but I’d certainly listen if someone else wanted to. Hopkins’ ability to contort to the ball and make highlight reel catches is wild, and now paired with a real quarterback in Deshaun Watson, he looks better than ever. With the exception of Pierre Desir, Hopkins has been almost unstoppable, and I don’t expect that to change in 2019.Behind Hopkins is Will Fuller. Fuller’s biggest knock is that he hasn’t yet been healthy for an entire season. There is little doubt he can play, and should he stay healthy Nate Hairston Color Rush Jersey , this team is completely different. His health does matter though, and he’ll be rehabbing a late season ACL tear, which could limit his availability and effectiveness.Keke Coutee also missed a lot of his rookie year with injuries, but when he was on the field looked like a dynamic piece to the Texans offense. If he can stay healthy and take another step in his second season, Coutee should be primed to take on a significant role in the offense.All in all, a lot depends on injury. DeAndre Hopkins has proven he can carry the team on his back, but there are limits to what one player can do, and it seems unfair to ask him to do more than his 1572 yard 11 touchdown season from last year. The guys behind their top three leave a lot to be desired, so if they can’t play, it changes the offense’s potential entirely.Indianapolis ColtsPhoto by Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesOkay, so of the rankings thus far, this one made me squirm the most while deciding the order. There are very good arguments to be made that any of the Titans, Texans, and Colts could be on top here, but I chose the Colts for two reasons: T.Y. Hilton and Frank Reich.First, let’s start with Hilton. T.Y. Hilton did something last season I didn’t think he could do. He raised his game. The guy has been fantastic for years, so I didn’t think I could be much more impressed with him, but his gutsy 2018 campaign changed that. He proved himself to be one of the toughest players on the team, and played through a high and low ankle sprain to lead his team to the playoffs and then a playoff win. He is a top ten wide receiver in the NFL, and a dangerous chess piece for Reich’s offense. Oh, and he’ll be back healthy. The rest of the receivers are less established, but let’s start with Devin Funchess. Funchess was a player Frank Reich specifically wanted to target in free agency, and was brought in to be that number two receiver across from Hilton. He provides a size advantage that should make him a major asset in the red zone, and I expect we’ll see Frank Reich capitalize on that to make defenses choose to cover Funchess or Eric Ebron inside the 20. He has averaged 558 yards per season, and that level of production inside this offense would be huge, given the Colts’ tendency to spread the ball around.Chester Rogers is a much maligned player by Colts fans, but considering that the UDFA has managed to stick on the roster, contribute to special teams, and was one of the more dependable options down the stretch when Luck needed production, I’m not entirely sure why. He isn’t a yards after the catch monster or a speedy deep threat, but he does offer a dependable option as a 3rd or 4th receiver on the roster.These three alone aren’t worth first place. The next two players, however, might be. Parris Campbell, the Colts’ second round selection, seems like a perfect match for Frank Reich’s system, both in terms of skill set and personality. It doesn’t mean much, but he has already flashed his potential at the rookie mini camp, and if he is able to contribute in any meaningful way, he adds a much needed yards after the catch receiver who can also make plays downfield. Second year player Deon Cain is another name to watch, as he looked incredible during camp before going down with an ACL tear in the first preseason game. There are certainly some players who light up the off-season and it never translates to actual games, but when you can outshine T.Y. Hilton, who is often the talk of camp, there just might be something to that. Because neither of these guys needs to start or produce right away, they just provide the potential for depth that could eventually challenge to be starters. That depth and potential is huge.<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="3sg9GY">ConclusionThis one was the toughest ranking yet. The Titans have possibly the deepest group, with 4-5 guys who will be solid contributors but no sure-fire elite receivers. The Texans have one of the best receivers in the NFL, and two very good guys behind him who can’t stay on the field. Ultimately, the Colts have an elite top receiver, a stable full of very good potential receivers, and a coach and quarterback who are great at getting the most out of their talent. All these situations are full of “ifs.” If Corey Davis has a breakout year, the Titans’ receiver room could be incredible. If The Texans receiver room stays healthy, they should be hard to stop. If the Colts get Parris Campbell really going and Deon Cain comes back to the form he had last off-season, this could be an unbeatable group. 2018 AFC South WR StatsWide ReceiverGamesReceptionsYardsTouchdownsCatch %Wide ReceiverGamesReceptionsYardsTouchdownsCatch %So what do you think?