Ranking position groups for 2022

The Indianapolis Colts are roughly a week away from the start of the regular-season opener against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

Though the roster will continue to make changes throughout the season, we have a pretty good idea of what the squad will look like going into the new season.

Throughout the offseason and preseason, the Colts made several changes to the roster. They brought in new pieces at quarterback, edge rusher and cornerback while adding some rookies to wide receiver and safety, among other positions.

With Week 1 right around the corner, here’s a ranking of the Colts’ position groups:

1
Linebacker

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

The Colts are likely to play in nickel most of the time, which means Shaquille Leonard and Bobby Okereke will see the most time on the field. That duo can be as good as any in the NFL if Okereke makes a leap in the final year of his rookie contract. The depth is strong in the room as well with Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed as the next two in line while the Colts added special teams ace Grant Stuard and impressive undrafted rookie JoJo Domann this year.

2
Running Back

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Having Jonathan Taylor already makes this one of the strongest backfields in the NFL. But the Colts also have Nyheim Hines as an incredible complement and change-of-pace back. There are some questions with depth given that Deon Jackson is the only other back in the room, but having those two at the top makes this one of the strongest groups on the roster.

3
Quarterback

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

The Colts should have an upgrade at starting quarterback with Matt Ryan, but they also upgraded their backup position with the addition of Nick Foles. How long Sam Ehlinger remains on the active roster isn’t clear,  but the quarterback position is much more stable than it was a year ago.

4
Interior Offensive Line

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Having Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly playing next to each other gives the Colts a strong duo on the interior. Danny Pinter will be new starting right guard, and there’s plenty of untapped potential within his game. The depth is solid as well with Will Fries giving strong performances in the preseason while undrafted free agent Wesley French could be a…