This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed Ulysses Bentley IV as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). Will the running back make the Colts’ 53-man roster?
Bentley is one of 15 UDFA’s that the Colts have signed. The other includes guys like wide receiver Landon Parker and linebacker Solomon DeShields.
Bentley spent three seasons at SMU and another three seasons at Ole Miss. During his collegiate career, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns. In the pre-draft process, he posted a (RAS) Relative Athletic Score of 2.85.
Running back depth isn’t a huge need for Indianapolis. That means it’ll be difficult for Bentley to make the team this year. However, nothing’s impossible.
Will UDFA Running Back Ulysses Bentley IV Make the Colts’ 53-Man Roster?
Spotlighting His Career
Ulysses Bentley starred at C.E. King High School in Harris County, Texas. In 2018, he rushed for 510 yards as his school went 8-3 and advanced to the first round of the Texas 6A D2 playoffs. Bentley was a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247sports.com. He committed to play college football for SMU.
Bentley redshirted his freshman year at SMU. In 2020, he rushed for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown. He was named the AAC co-freshman of the year and first-team all-AAC. Bentley rushed for 610 yards and four touchdowns the following season.
Bentley then transferred to Ole Miss. During his first year with the Rebels, he appeared in six games due to a wrist injury. He ran for 73 yards and four touchdowns that year.
Last season, Bentley played all 13 games. Despite only starting two contests, he was third on the team with 419 yards and produced five rushing touchdowns. He added 13 catches for 99 receiving yards. Bentley was also sixth on the team with 518 all-purpose yards. In Week 7 against LSU, he rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. Then in the regular season finale, he ran for 136 yards and a touchdown versus Mississippi State.
Making the Team Will Be Difficult
The Colts are led by star Jonathan Taylor. He’s easily one of the NFL’s best running backs. He led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2021 and made his second Pro Bowl last season. Unfortunately, he has struggled with injuries over the last few years. Taylor’s backups last year, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson weren’t effective.
This offseason, the Colts knew they had to add running back depth. And the team accomplished that, by signing Khalil Herbert and drafting Kansas State’s DJ Giddens. Herbert was a wise free agent signing and Giddens, who was taken in the fifth round, could turn out to be a steal.
Bentley can change direction quickly and has great footwork as well as open-field speed. Plus, he’s a willing blocker. However, with Taylor, Herbert, and Giddens in the mix, the running back room is set for the Colts. It’s highly unlikely that Bentley makes the 53-man roster. He’d have to have an amazing training camp to earn a spot. Unless he resembles a Prime Barry Sanders, he’s just not going to make the team.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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