The Indianapolis Colts concluded their 2022 NFL draft class and now it’s time to add the undrafted rookie free agents to the roster.
We have a tracker going, giving you all the updates you need to following along. But some of the signings are a bit more important. Most of the time, it is indicative by the size of the signing bonus.
Immediately after the draft, the Colts reportedly signed former Connecticut offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark with a bonus of $175,000.
Former UConn OT Ryan Van Demark is signing with the #Colts on a deal that includes $175,000 fully guaranteed, per his agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022
That’s a pretty significant signing bonus and the fact that it’s fully guaranteed means Van Demark has a good chance to make the roster. If he doesn’t, it’s highly likely the Colts would make sure he gets to the practice squad.
Van Demark had a strong pro day in front of a number of teams and the Colts have been among the organizations he visited during the pre-draft process.
Van Demark checks a lot of the boxes that the Colts have historically liked in their offensive tackles.
The senior out of Connecticut was a team captain for the Huskies in 2022. Those are two boxes the Colts like to see. He also measured in at 6-foot-6 and 307 pounds with 35 1/2-inch arms. Check, check and check.
He also spent his last three seasons at UConn playing left tackle as the starter, which shows that may be more of his natural position.
What’s also intriguing about Van Demark, who is expected to be drafted on Day 3, is his athletic profile. The fact that he posted a 4.5 in the short shuttle drill bodes well for his ability to reach his ceiling.
The Colts may have used a third-round pick on offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann to compete for the starting left tackle position, but we might want to throw Van Demark’s name in the mix as well considering the Colts were likely contemplating selecting him in the draft.
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