Depth Chart Fantasy Impact
After one season together, the Colts moved on from QB Carson Wentz in March. Instead of selecting a rookie in the 2022 draft, GM Chris Ballard went the veteran route for his win-now squad. QB Matt Ryan, still effective at 37, owns nearly 60,000 career passing yards and 367 TDs. His 2021 was unremarkable, but his supporting cast in Atlanta certainly didn’t help. Ryan’s a bit of an ironman, too, with only 3 missed games since entering the league in 2008. He should help stabilize an offense that never found its rhythm under Wentz.
Ryan will throw to a young cast of WRs. Behind #1 Michael Pittman, the Colts added Cincinnati rookie Alex Pierce. Interestingly, he didn’t break out until his senior season (52-884-8), despite playing alongside polished passer Desmond Ridder. But at 6’3, 211 pounds, Pierce’s tape showed excellent speed and contested catch ability. Given the Colts’ lack of WR depth — especially with T.Y Hilton currently unsigned — Pierce will likely see a sizable role right away.
Perhaps the same will hold true for 3rd-rounder Jelani Woods. The supersized TE goes 6’7, 259 pounds and was another 4th-year breakout (44-598-8) at Virginia. In fact, Woods had to transfer out of Oklahoma state — where his primary usage came as a blocker — before getting on the NFL’s radar. Naturally, his size allows for elevated scoring potential. But Woods has the tools to eventually develop into more than just a red zone threat. He’ll team up with Mo-Alie Cox to form a can’t-miss duo. They’ll look to overcome the loss of Jack Doyle, who retired back in March. Doyle was trustworthy as a blocker and a pass-catcher. Across 8 seasons, he totaled 252 catches, 2,281 yards and 20 TDs.
In the backfield, Marlon Mack left to sign with Houston in free agency. In his place steps former Bronco Phillip Lindsay, now 28. He’ll provide depth behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines.
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