Jeris

Pendleton

You just knew GM Gene Smith was going to get his off-the-radar small school project. Not your average draft prospect, Pendleton had tours as a nursing home housekeeper and construction worker while raising his family before entering college at age 24. Now in his late 20s, Pendleton is a wide-bodied (6'3/330) potential backup for “Pot Roast” Knighton.

Pendleton ended up a 27-year-old senior at Ashland last season after grades and family issues prevented him from attending Michigan State out of high school. A small school developmental prospect, Pendleton impressed coaches in OTAs with above-average quickness for a 330-pound nose tackle. He profiles as a rotational lineman.

A 2012 seventh-rounder, Pendleton was one of former GM Gene Smith’s small-school passion projects. Already a Weeden-esque 29 years old, Pendleton played just 33 snaps as a rookie. His NFL future isn’t bright.

Pendleton, 30 in November, was a seventh-round pick of the Jaguars last year. He was cut by Jacksonville last month, and is a roster long shot in Big D.

Pendleton steps in for Montori Hughes, who landed on IR with a knee injury. Price has been on the Colts practice squad since signing as an undrafted free agent out of UCLE back in April.

A 2012 seventh-round pick of the Jags, Pendleton spent one game on the Colts’ active roster in 2013. He was out of the league last season. He’ll be the longest of long shots to crack Indy’s 53-man roster.

“We have to get stronger up the middle,” said GM Ryan Grigson. Kerr played 289 snaps last season to Hughes’ 228. The others were non-factors. Indianapolis could have made a play for Vince Wilfork in free agency, but decided to address other needs. The Colts won’t be able to make the next step without solidifying their run defense. The Patriots expose it on a yearly basis.