Now that the buzz of free agency has died down some, let's take a look at where things stand with the Indianapolis Colts roster on the defensive side of the ball.
Remember, there's still the draft and likely other changes to come on the roster between now and the start of training camp.
Defensive linemen: Josh Chapman, Gannon Conway, Montori Hughes, Arthur Jones, Zach Kerr, Kendall Langford, Earl Okine, Kelcy Quarles
Defensive tackle is an interesting position for the Colts because they stayed away from pursuing a player on the free-agent market. They have confidence, at the moment at least, in Hughes, Chapman and Kerr. They have to do a better job of stopping the run after New England has bullied them on the ground in the last three meetings.
Linebackers: Daniel Adongo, Trent Cole, Carlos Fields, D'Qwell Jackson, Cam Johnson, Shawn Loiseau, Robert Mathis, Aaron Morgan, Henoc Muamba, Jonathan Newsome, Erik Walden, Bjoern Werner, Jerrell Freeman, Nate Irving
The Colts improved their depth at inside linebacker when they signed Irving late last week. They tendered a qualifying offer to Freeman, a restricted free agent, earlier this month. There still hasn't been any word from team officials about whether Mathis will be able to take part in organized team activities after he missed last season with a torn Achilles. It'll be interesting to see how playing time goes with Newsome, Mathis, Werner and Cole because all four players are rush linebackers. There's a chance Werner will slide to the other side and back up Walden.
Defensive backs: Mike Adams, Colt Anderson, Jalil Brown, Darius Butler, Vontae Davis, Winston Guy, Dewey McDonald, Sheldon Price, Greg Toler
The mystery over who will start alongside Adams at the other safety position remains in the air, especially after Sergio Brown signed with Jacksonville earlier this month. Scouts say this isn't a deep draft at safety, as Alabama's Landon Collins is the only player at that position projected to be selected in the first round. He'll likely be gone by the time the Colts select at No. 29. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson was able to land Adams in the middle of June last year. Maybe he'll be able to do the same thing this year if they can't find a starting safety in the draft.
