The Indianapolis Colts have built a roster for a deep playoff run over the course of the offseason. The success of this team will be hinged on lesser-known players taking their game to the next level.
The offense has their studs in Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. but they will need a skill position player or two to help them carry the load. The defense is filled with playmakers on all three levels of the ball and it should help elevate the talent of others to hit their potential for this season.
Here are five players that have an opportunity to break out in 2022:
1
S Julian Blackmon
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
I am such a big fan of Julian Blackmon’s talent that I wondered if this would be considered cheating putting him on this list.
After having his sophomore season cut short due to his torn Achilles, he missed his chance to break out and become more of a household name. The defense missed his range in the backend last year as they started to allow more explosive pass plays without him in the lineup.
Blackmon not only has that ballhawk ability defensive coordinators love in safeties, but he also isn’t afraid to come up the field and put a hit on the ball carrier. This team needs him to stay healthy and hit his potential in his third season in the league.
With a solid performance on the field then he could become one of the highly regarded defensive backs in 2022.
2
DE Kwity Paye
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
If there is one player I am willing to put a bet on breaking out during the upcoming season, that player would be Kwity Paye. The second-year player has been set up for success and all he needs to do is capitalize on his talent.
If he can build upon how he closed out his rookie year with a good offseason program then we can see him climb to double-digit sacks. Just like I mentioned in Year 2 players that can make the next jump, Paye is going to be lined up across from one of the better pass rushers in the NFL in Yannick Ngakoue. He will have one-on-one matchups to take advantage of and make a bigger impact in the 2022 season.
3
4
CB Isaiah Rodgers
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
This list has been defensive-heavy thus far but that is because the Colts need players in these positions to deliver on their talent this season. Isaiah Rodgers has been a great seventh-round find for Chris Ballard.
After being a threat as a returner for most of his rookie year, Rodgers was able to work his way onto the field in his second season and showed he has the qualities to be a starting cornerback. He played 48% of the defensive snaps in 2021.
In his time with the defense, he had seven pass deflections and three interceptions. Rodgers has a great ability to track down the ball with his speed.
The opening spot across from Stephon Gilmore is up for grabs and Rodgers can lock it up during training camp this summer. A big opportunity for the third-year corner.
5
G Danny Pinter
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
It can be difficult for an offensive lineman to breakout and become more of a household name. Especially when you have Quenton Nelson in the lineup with you. Not only arguably the best guard in the NFL but you also have Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith on the line as well.
Danny Pinter is currently penciled in as the replacement at right guard after Mark Glowinski’s departure in free agency. This isn’t just a wild guess though just because Pinter will likely be a starter. He does have four starts to his name and he was able to put some good things on tape that earned him this opportunity.
He had to fill in at center when Ryan Kelly was out of the lineup and he looked well-prepared for a young offensive lineman. The former fifth-round pick even caught a touchdown last season. Pinter can become a fan favorite if he delivers in 2022.
6
WR Alec Pierce
Can Alec Pierce replicate Jonathan Taylor’s success of making an impact as a second-round rookie? Frank Reich certainly hopes so.
With no addition of a veteran receiver to the roster (as of yet), Pierce will be leaned on early in his career to help elevate the Colts’ passing attack. Michael Pittman Jr. can only do so much for Matt Ryan and the offense is going to need the first-year player to pick up the system sooner than later.
While there isn’t major pressure for him to get it going right away, if the other younger receivers aren’t delivering then Reich will need the rookie to get things picked up to speed.
Similar to Taylor, it’s okay if he has a slow start as he gets acclimated to the NFL, but the team’s overall success depends on Pierce being a factor in the second half of the 2022 schedule.
