Insider: Projecting the Colts' 2015 starting lineup

Colts players are getting ready to return to Indianapolis for the official start of the team's offseason program next week.

We're a long way from opening day, but the team is already taking shape after an offseason full of comings and goings.

So, here's an interesting exercise: Let's take an early (premature?) look at how the starting lineup is shaping up. Where are the biggest strengths? The weaknesses?

This will almost certainly change, but it's a good starting point to build on as we continue toward the draft and the rest of the offseason. Be sure to read and note my comments before forming an opinion.

(* -- denotes new starter)

OFFENSE

Left tackle: Anthony Castonzo – As reliable a player as the Colts have on either side of the ball.

Left guard: Jack Mewhort – He was thrown into the fire as a rookie last season and more than held his own. Looks for steps forward in 2015.

Center: Khaled Holmes – I mean, I guess. Coach Chuck Pagano seems uncommitted about who will ultimately line up here. And after the revolving door of three starters last season, anything seems possible.

Right guard: Todd Herremans* – This is a pure projection. Herremans is 32 and the Eagles seemed ready to move on, so he'll have to earn it. We'll see whether Hugh Thornton, Joe Reitz or CFL signee Ben Heenan can make things interesting.

Right tackle: Gosder Cherilus – This might be an overreaction on my part, but I haven't heard a lot of straight answers about Cherilus' health. He's coming off multiple injuries and had his knee scoped in January. This bears watching.

Receiver: T.Y. Hilton – The guy had 1,400-plus yards last season. So, yeah, he's a starter.

Receiver: Andre Johnson* – It will be interesting to watch how the Colts use Johnson. I expect he'll be something of a possession receiver, which he's perfectly capable of doing. He's a huge target, and that's a big part of the job description.

Running back: Frank Gore* – Another big offseason addition here. I suspect Gore will get the bulk of the carries but look for him to share the load with Boom Herron or, perhaps, a draft pick.

Tight end: Coby Fleener – He's coming off a breakout season in which he proved an increasingly difficult matchup for defenses. Look for coordinator Pep Hamilton to keep devising ways to take advantage.

Tight end: Dwayne Allen – We know what this guy's capable of, but this is a big year for him. He's got to stay healthy. Injuries have marred his last two seasons. Can he stay on the field?

Quarterback: Andrew Luck – The only suspense here is whether he returns from the offseason with or without a neck beard.

DEFENSE

Defensive end: Kendall Langford* – The Colts basically supplanted Cory Redding with Langford, who has almost the same body type but is younger and still has a bit of upside (he's returning to the 3-4 defense for which he's a better fit).

Nose tackle: Josh Chapman – Last season, his first as a starter, was not his best work. This smells like a position that could be targeted in the draft. Stay tuned.

Defensive tackle: Art Jones – This guarantees nothing, but Jones was extremely disappointed about how 2014 went. A high ankle sprain robbed him of seven games and limited him in several others. He'll be looking to bounce back in a big way.

Rush linebacker: Trent Cole* – This is a position where I suspect we'll see multiple guys play. Cole is being paid like a guy expected to play lots of snaps, but Robert Mathis is lurking. He's not close to 100 percent though, so we'll make no assumptions. Jonathan Newsome is back, too.

Inside linebacker: D'Qwell Jackson – Last season wasn't Jackson's most consistent, but on the whole, it was solid. Jackson would certainly benefit from improvement on the defensive line.

Inside linebacker: Jerrell Freeman – Freeman took a backward step last season, but I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt because of injuries. He's got to rally this fall, especially after the signing of Broncos free agent Nate Irving.

Strong-side linebacker: Erik Walden – He's coming off one of the best seasons of his career, so this shouldn't be a surprise. But I think it's time to start looking at Bjoern Werner as a strong-side player, because he's not a natural pass rusher. The Colts have had this conversation, so keep an eye out.

Right cornerback: Vontae Davis – He made his first Pro Bowl last season. The goal this season should be All-Pro.

Strong safety: Mike Adams – The Colts hit the lottery with this late-June signing last year. Whether they can get another Pro Bowl season out of a 34-year safety seems a long shot, but he's solid.

Free safety: Dwight Lowery* – There's not exactly a lot of competition for this former Atlanta Falcon, so look for safety to be a target of the Colts in the upcoming draft.

Left cornerback: Greg Toler -- He stayed healthy and battled back from some uneven performances to register what was, in my opinion, his finest season.

Special teams

Place kicker: Adam Vinatieri – It's season No. 20 and the old man is still knocking them through the uprights. In other news, water is wet, fire is hot.

Punter/kickoffs: Pat McAfee – He earned himself a few margaritas on the beach (see his Twitter timeline) with his 2014 Pro Bowl season.

Return specialist: Josh Cribbs – This is a spot I think we should watch. Cribbs' ball security late last season was a legitimate problem. For every inevitable impressive return, he seems to counter with a poor decision that hurts the team. Right now, options aren't abundant outside of maybe Jeff Demps.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.