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…