Madden 23 – Indianapolis Colts Roster And Ratings

This comprehensive Madden 23 guide delivers an in-depth examination of the Indianapolis Colts roster, highlighting both elite performers and areas requiring immediate improvement for virtual gridiron success.

The arrival of Madden 23 ignites another season of digital football excitement, bringing fresh debates about team rankings, strategic gameplay decisions, and celebration animations. Our detailed analysis covers all 32 NFL franchises, with this installment focusing specifically on Indianapolis. The Colts enter this virtual campaign with significant continuity from their 2021 roster, though the major offseason storyline revolves around veteran quarterback Matt Ryan’s acquisition. Within Madden’s simulation environment, Indianapolis remains an appealing selection thanks to running back Jonathan Taylor’s explosive capabilities and their formidable offensive line presence. Whether you’re evaluating top talent, comparing league standings, or identifying Franchise mode upgrade priorities, this guide provides essential insights for mastering the Colts’ Madden 23 lineup.

According to the official launch rankings, Indianapolis occupies the 19th position among NFL teams with an 82 overall rating. The roster features five athletes rated 90 or higher, establishing a solid foundation for competitive play:

• Quenton Nelson – 95 OVR (Elite Guard)
• Jonathan Taylor – 95 OVR (Top-tier Running Back)
• Stephon Gilmore – 91 OVR (Shutdown Cornerback)
• DeForest Buckner – 90 OVR (Dominant Defensive Tackle)
• Darius Leonard – 90 OVR (Playmaking Linebacker)

The roster’s weakest contributors include Luke Rhodes (27 OVR) at tight end/long snapper, Wesley French (56 OVR) at center, and Jack Coan (56 OVR) at quarterback. The following table presents the complete starting lineup at Madden 23’s launch, comprising 11 offensive players, 11 defensive players, plus specialized kicking positions.

Indianapolis’s offensive attack centers around established veterans and emerging talent, creating multiple strategic options for Madden players. Understanding each position’s strengths and limitations is crucial for maximizing production.

Quarterback Analysis: Matt Ryan’s 81 OVR rating provides adequate but not exceptional quarterback play. His 85+ short and medium accuracy ratings make him reliable within 20 yards, but his declining arm strength limits deep passing effectiveness. For Franchise mode, developing a young quarterback should become an immediate priority.

Running Back Dominance: Jonathan Taylor’s 95 OVR represents one of Madden 23’s premier offensive weapons. With 96 speed, 97 acceleration, and 95 carrying, he can dominate games when utilized correctly. Focus on outside zone runs and screen passes to maximize his impact.

Receiving Corps Evaluation: Michael Pittman Jr. (83 OVR) serves as the primary receiving threat with solid route running and catching attributes. The supporting cast of Parris Campbell (75 OVR) and Keke Coutee (74 OVR) lacks depth, making three-receiver sets potentially problematic.

Offensive Line Strength: The interior offensive line represents Indianapolis’s greatest asset. Quenton Nelson’s 95 OVR at left guard provides elite run blocking (97) and pass protection (94). Braden Smith (85 OVR) at right tackle offers reliable protection, though left tackle Matt Pryor (69 OVR) and right guard Danny Pinter (65 OVR) create significant vulnerabilities.

Player	Position	OVR
Matt Ryan	QB	81
Jonathan Taylor	RB	95
Michael Pittman Jr.	WR	83
Parris Campbell	WR	75
Keke Coutee	WR	74
Mo Alie-Cox	TE	75
Quenton Nelson	LG	95
Ryan Kelley	C	82
Braden Smith	RT	85
Matt Pryor	LT	69
Danny Pinter	RG	65
DeForest Buckner	DT	90
Grover Stewart	DT	82
Yannick Ngakoue	RE	82
Tyquan Lewis	LE	74
Darius Leonard	LOLB	90
Bobby Okereke	MLB	81
Zaire Franklin	ROLB	66
Stephon Gilmore	CB	91
Kenny Moore II	CB	87
Rodney McLeod Jr.	SS	79
Julian Blackmon	FS	76
Rodrigo Blankenship	K	74
Roberto Sanchez	P	76

Indianapolis’s defensive unit combines elite talent with concerning depth issues, requiring strategic scheme adjustments to maximize effectiveness.

Defensive Line Power: DeForest Buckner’s 90 OVR anchors the interior defensive line with exceptional power moves and block shedding. Partnered with Grover Stewart (82 OVR), they form a formidable run-stopping duo. Edge rushers Yannick Ngakoue (82 OVR) and Tyquan Lewis (74 OVR) provide adequate but not dominant pass rush capabilities.

Linebacker Corps Assessment: Darius Leonard’s 90 OVR at outside linebacker delivers elite coverage skills and play recognition. Bobby Okereke (81 OVR) offers reliable middle linebacker play, though Zaire Franklin’s 66 OVR at right outside linebacker creates a significant weak spot opponents can exploit.

Secondary Analysis: Stephon Gilmore’s 91 OVR provides legitimate shutdown corner capabilities with 92 man coverage and 90 zone coverage ratings. Kenny Moore II (87 OVR) forms a capable second cornerback, though the safety positions with Rodney McLeod Jr. (79 OVR) and Julian Blackmon (76 OVR) lack elite playmaking ability.

Common Defensive Mistakes: Many players overutilize blitz packages with Indianapolis, leaving their vulnerable safety group in unfavorable coverage situations. Instead, focus on four-man rushes with creative zone coverage behind them.

Advanced Optimization: For experienced players, mixing cover 3 and cover 4 schemes can mask secondary limitations while allowing the defensive line to create pressure naturally.

Building a championship-caliber Colts team in Franchise mode requires addressing specific roster weaknesses while leveraging existing strengths through strategic personnel decisions.

Immediate Roster Needs: The most critical positions requiring upgrade are right outside linebacker (66 OVR) and right guard (65 OVR), both representing critical vulnerabilities opponents can consistently exploit.

Long-term Development Strategy: While Matt Ryan provides adequate short-term quarterback play, his age and rating ceiling necessitate drafting a developmental quarterback within the first two seasons.

Draft Strategy Recommendations: Prioritize offensive tackle and linebacker positions in early rounds, as these represent the roster’s most significant long-term needs.

Free Agency Approach: Target mid-tier veterans at wide receiver and safety to provide immediate depth improvements without sacrificing cap flexibility.

For additional Madden 23 content, explore our comprehensive Complete Guide for foundational strategies, or consult our detailed Weapons Unlock guide for offensive weaponry insights. Those focusing on defensive schemes should reference our Class Guide for specialized position strategies.

Action Checklist

• Utilize Jonathan Taylor in outside zone runs and screen passes to maximize his 95 OVR impact
• Protect left tackle weakness by using tight end chips and quick passing routes
• Implement defensive scheme mixing cover 3 and cover 4 to protect vulnerable secondary
• Address right outside linebacker and right guard positions as Franchise mode priority upgrades
• Draft developmental quarterback and offensive line depth within first two Franchise seasons

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Madden 23 – Indianapolis Colts Roster And Ratings Complete Madden 23 Indianapolis Colts roster analysis with strategic gameplay tips and franchise mode guidance