Geno VanDeMark Joins Colts as UDFA Ready for 2026 Battle
Colts Sign Undrafted Center
The Indianapolis Colts have added Geno VanDeMark to their 90‑man roster as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL draft. The team will preview him alongside other newcomers as training camp approaches. VanDeMark, who wears No. 63, is slated to compete for a role on the offensive line.
College Background and Versatility
VanDeMark spent four collegiate seasons accumulating more than 1,500 snaps, two years at Michigan State and two at Alabama. He has logged time at every interior line spot, though his primary experience comes at right guard. This breadth of experience makes him a flexible option for NFL teams looking for depth.
2025 Season Performance
Last season he faced two sacks and 12 pressures while protecting 365 pass‑blocking snaps, drawing only a single penalty. In PFF grading, he finished 106th among 190 eligible guards for pass‑blocking efficiency and 84th among 331 linemen for run‑blocking grade. Those numbers suggest a solid but still developing talent.
Contract and Financial Impact
VanDeMark was among five Colts undrafted free agents who secured over $200,000 in guaranteed money, an unusually high sum for a player taken outside the draft. The contract underscores Indianapolis’s confidence in his potential and adds a notable payroll item for a UDFA.
2026 Outlook: Center Competition
With Tanor Bortolini entrenched as the starter at center, the Colts must decide who will back him up. Early indicators favor Dalton Tucker for the backup role, but VanDeMark could still carve out a niche. His ceiling may be the practice squad, where he can continue refining his technique, while he also squares off against Josh Kreutz and Jimmy Morrissey for any roster spots.
The 2026 campaign will serve as a true test of VanDeMark’s progression from collegiate star to NFL contributor, and Colts fans will watch closely as he battles for a role on the depth chart.
sports.yahoo.com.
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