The Indianapolis Colts have entrenched starters across the depth chart, but there are still a few spots that are up for grabs in the lead-up to the 2022 season.
Even without a first-round pick and not making their first selection until pick No. 53 overall, general manager Chris Ballard still managed to find a group of rookies that can make an impact in 2022.
There are four different players from this recent draft class that I believe we could potentially see in the starting lineup this season. Let’s take a look:
1
WR Alec Pierce
This is an easy pick because he has one of the easier paths to be in the starting lineup when the Colts face the Houston Texans in the opening game. The starting wide receiver spot opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. is up for grabs and the rookie has a legit shot to win it.
Pierce will have to earn it though because Frank Reich prefers his receivers to be comfortable in his system. He will face competition from other players in the receiving corps that are more familiar with the playbook. Ashton Dulin, Mike Strachan, and Dezmon Patmon also will want to earn a bigger role for this season and will make their efforts to get the gig.
Parris Campbell seems to be locked in as the slot receiver and may not be pushing for the boundary spot. Pierce has the talent to get it done and if he can develop chemistry with Matt Ryan then it will help him get into the starting lineup sooner than later.
2
3
OT Bernhard Raimann
The athletic tackle out of Central Michigan will be in a battle with Matt Pryor and Dennis Kelly for the starting left tackle in training camp. Pryor is currently the projected starter and Chris Ballard did state that Kelly will also get a shot for the job.
Raimann has the athletic profile to play the position but he will need to showcase he can pick up the offense at…