The Indianapolis Colts have various storylines as they head into this upcoming season. But there are several players who have a lot to prove in their 2023 campaign.
When looking at this roster there is a wide variety of plausible outcomes for this upcoming season. It’s widely reported that many experts think this roster is one of the worst in the NFL. But one thing that is going in the Indianapolis Colts’ favor is that they now have all of their rookies under contract including top pick Anthony Richardson.
Now, all that’s left is to start NFL training camp and then get the season underway. But again, there are many players who have a lot to prove, both to the current team and to a future team. The Colts have 28 players currently on the roster whose contracts are up after this season. These guys will need to have a good season in order to earn their next contract.
Here are five Indianapolis Colts that have the most to prove this ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
8 Indianapolis Colts who need to step up and prove something in 2023
Impending free agents Kenny Moore, Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor
These three players are all set to become free agents at the end of the season. Now, it’s possible that all or some of these guys get extensions before the season starts. But even if they do land a new deal they still need a more productive season. These three guys are important pieces to this Colts team.
Michael Pittman Jr is the team’s defacto number one wide receiver but there are still questions if he’s a true number one or not. Last year, the expectation was that he would take the next step and show that he is. It’s possible last season was just a bad year for everyone and he’ll show that he’s the guy.
Prior to the start of last season, Kenny Moore was vocal about wanting to get a pay raise. He was coming off a Pro Bowl season and several productive seasons before that. And there was enough evidence to validate his claim for being rightfully compensated. Unfortunately, he had a terrible season and is a slot cornerback.
Now, that his contract is about to expire it would behoove him to have another great season. And with the numerous unproven cornerbacks on the outside. Moore will have a chance to show he can play on the outside as well.
Then there’s Jonathan Taylor the star running back who has been closely monitoring the running back landscape. He’s certainly deserving of a raise but the question is for how much and how long? Running backs just don’t age well and the more touches they get the less value they have. Not to mention he’s coming off the worst season of his career. He can certainly use a bounce-back season and he should be primed for one considering the Colts will most likely be leaning on the run a lot this season.
Borderline draft bust Kwity Paye
Kwity Paye was drafted two years ago with the expectation that he would be the dominant pass rusher this team has been needing ever since Robert Mathis retired. So far, Paye has almost as many sacks as he does miss games, 10 to 7. That’s not the sort of stat the Indianapolis Colts are wanting. He does have time to turn things around but it will start with this season. The team has possibly an eight-man rotation along the defensive line. So, he’ll need to be productive in order to get more snaps.
Offensive linemen Bernhard Raimann and Will Fries
Bernhard Raimann had an interesting rookie season but he finished the year strong. He’s projected to be the starting left tackle for this upcoming season and build off his rookie season. A vote of confidence he’s received is that the team hasn’t brought in any veteran tackle. So, he should have a clear path to being the starter and continuing to build on the chemistry with Quenton Nelson.
Another offensive lineman who finished the season strong is right guard Will Fries. It can be argued that his insertion into the lineup along with his play helped stabilize the play of the offensive line. Right now, the projected starting offensive line is the same one that ended last season, Raimann, Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Fries, and Braden Smith.
The Colts drafted a couple of players who need some work to be NFL-ready. Then they also signed a local kid out of Alabama who went undrafted and could realistically challenge Fries for the starting spot. Again, this team is going with youth over veterans and the results may not be there this year but should be in the future. Fries and Raimann’s production will have a lot of say in that production.
Center Ryan Kelly
Speaking of center Ryan Kelly. He had easily the worst season of his career and considering he’s the longest-tenured offensive lineman and paid very well. It only highlighted just how bad his play was. It was bad enough that were was a lot of speculation about the team trying to trade him and move forward with Danny Pinter or someone else.
Kelly will be a free agent after the 2024-2025 season, so it would be in his best interest to have two more good years. But for now, for this season, he will need to play much better. Especially, since he will be heavily leaned up once rookie Anthony Richardson is starting.
Defensive star Shaquille Leonard
Shaquille Leonard might be the most important name on this list. His individual play is significant for this team and defense. Prior to last season, the Indianapolis Colts defense ranked at the Top-10 in turnovers. Last year, they ranked in the top 20.
Now, before he can get back to his All-Pro form he’ll first need to be healthy. And according to GM Chris Ballard, Leonard won’t be starting this training camp on the PUP list. This is obviously a good sign. Now, he’ll need to get through camp and preseason healthy. After that, it would be unrealistic to expect him to go right back to his old ways. This season, he’ll need to show he’s healthy and can hold up for an entire season.
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