Colts insider leaves 2 offseason additions off 53-man roster prediction

With training camp near, ESPN’s Stephen Holder put together his pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction, and absent from it were two offseason additions made by Indianapolis Colts’ GM Chris Ballard.

At the wide receiver position, Holder had the Colts keeping six players, but not included was seventh-round pick Deion Burks. Instead, Holder had Indianapolis keeping Laquon Treadwell.

Burks brings impressive speed to the offense, and although listed at 5-10, 180 pounds, the Colts view him as a player who can line up both in the slot and outside. He could double as a return man as well.

That said, from the jump, Treadwell, with his experience in the NFL and in Shane Steichen’s offense, can potentially make a greater impact early on. He can also contribute to more special teams phases.

But releasing Burks comes with an obvious risk; there’s no guarantee that he makes it back to the practice squad. Another team could swoop in and claim him.

This roster decision would be passing on long-term upside for a short-term boost.

The other offseason addition left off Holder’s roster prediction was safety Juanyeh Thomas, who was signed in free agency. Holder had Indianapolis keeping just four safeties.

Playing time for Thomas could be tough to come by. AJ Haulcy appears to be the favorite for the starting role alongside Cam Bynum, while Hunter Wohler could see the field in defensive-back-heavy formations, where he can provide both a coverage and run defense presence playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

If the Colts do keep only four safeties, it may come down to who the better special teams contributor is between Thomas and Jonathan Owens. In terms of special teams and defensive experience, Owens has the advantage.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts insider leaves 2 offseason additions off 53-man roster prediction