5 players the Indianapolis Colts would be wise to target on the NFL waiver wire following league wide 53-man roster cuts
The Colts have the chance to find a real diamond in the rough
The Indianapolis Colts made some tough decisions to trim their roster and finalize their initial 53-man roster yesterday. There weren’t the only ones, though, and as a result, there are some quality players available on the waiver wire.
The Colts hold the 14th waiver priority spot and should get the opportunity to improve their roster at a few questionable positions ahead of the regular season. After looking over all 32 teams’ roster cuts, five players in particular stand out as options the Colts should target.
5 waiver wire targets that need to be on the Colts’ radar
C.J. Okoye, DT, Baltimore Ravens
The Colts got to see why the Ravens’ coaching staff had such a high opinion of C.J. Okoye this offseason. During their preseason matchup, the Colts’ starting offensive line began the game, but that didn’t stop Okoye from wreaking havoc against Tanor Bortolini and the interior of the line.
On top of him being an ascending player, his massive frame at 6-6, 370 pounds makes him an intriguing fit on the Colts, who desperately need to find a backup to Grover Stewart. The Ravens and their fans want Okoye back on their practice squad so he can continue to develop. The Colts would be wise not to let that happen by claiming him and easily moving on from a player like Eric Johnson.
Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks
If you followed along with my draft content, you know I was a big fan of Damien Martinez’s game out of Miami. A big bruiser type RB who also ran a 4.51 40 and recorded a broad jump over 10 feet. He offers high upside as a runner at the NFL level, but early in his career, his ability as a pass blocker would get him on the field.
The Colts don’t have a back they trust in that area right now and only have two healthy RBs on their 53-man roster in Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens. I have no idea why the Seahawks chose to move on from him, but the Colts have the chance to reap the benefits of that mistake.
Esa Pole, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
The Colts kept Luke Tenuta as their fourth offensive tackle, but his performance in the preseason made it clear they could use an upgrade there. The tackle I have circled as my top option for the Colts is Kansas City Chiefs UDFA Esa Pole. Pole had a strong showing in the preseason, especially as a pass blocker. He finished the preseason with an 85.8 pass blocking grade from PFF and has a lot of tools in his game that make him an interesting developmental option for whoever lands him. Chiefs fans were irate to see the team not give him a spot on their 53-man roster and are now hoping to see him back on their practice squad.
Chad Muma, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Linebacker is easily the Colts’ thinnest position on the roster since they have only chosen to keep four on their initial 53-man roster. That’s not sustainable for an entire season, so an addition or two is coming at the position. If they were to use the waiver wire to address LB, the top option should come from the Jacksonville Jaguars in Chad Muma. The Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he possesses some great athleticism.
His game definitely needs polishing, but the skills are there to be unlocked. The Colts have the opportunity for him to continue developing while also playing significant snaps since the room behind Zaire Franklin leaves a lot to be desired.
Trey Taylor, S, Las Vegas Raiders
I saved my personal favorite waiver wire target for last, and that’s safety Trey Taylor from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders selected Taylor in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft after a three-year stint at Air Force. Taylor’s college career ended on a high note when he won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.
He has solid size at safety, standing 6 feet and weighing 213 pounds, with solid athleticism that landed him a 9.33 RAS score during his draft process. Taylor displayed excellent coverage skills in college and had a strong training camp where his ball skills were evident for the Raiders. With the proper coaching, Taylor can become an NFL starter, and the Colts’ defensive staff has an abundance of coaches whose primary focus in the past has been the secondary. The Colts should add Taylor to be Cam Bynum’s backup and move on from Rodney Thomas, who had a rough preseason.
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