INDIANAPOLIS – Pressure is a constant in the NFL.
For the Colts, who haven’t clinched a division title in a decade while their AFC South counterparts have each secured multiple titles in that period, the pressure is particularly intense.
Realistically, the top of our “most to prove” list for 2024 should likely be Chris Ballard due to his 8-year tenure lacking playoff success.
However, we’ll focus on the players.
Which Colts have the most to prove this season?
1. Anthony Richardson
When you play the most crucial position in sports, it’s common to be featured on this list. Richardson’s inclusion is particularly notable given that he only played 173 snaps in his rookie season. He needs to demonstrate that he can stay healthy and maintain the promising moments we saw in his first year consistently, especially as more NFL attention focuses on him. While contract decisions for Richardson are still some time off, it’s crucial for him to show significant progress in 2024.
2. Braden Smith
Among everyone on this list, Smith primarily needs to demonstrate that he can regain and maintain good health. In two of the last three years, Smith has been sidelined for 6 and 7 games, respectively, and his absence has been noticeable. When healthy, Smith remains a high-quality right tackle and a crucial player for the Colts. However, relying on substitutes for a third of the season has undoubtedly impacted the Colts during the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Additionally, it’s important to note that 2025 marks the final year of Smith’s contract, carrying a $19 million cap hit, as he nears 30 years old.
3. Jelani Woods
You could certainly argue for Woods based on his availability, but he still has to prove himself in the NFL. While he had some notable moments late in his rookie season, Woods has only had one game with more than three catches and a total of 25 receptions in his rookie year before missing all of last season due to a hamstring injury.
4. Nick Cross
Nick Cross is approaching a pivotal Year 3 with a promising opportunity ahead. From what we’ve observed in the spring, there’s minimal serious competition for the starting free safety position. In his first two NFL seasons, Cross had a few starting opportunities, but he didn’t hold onto them for long. The Colts urgently need him to justify their decision to trade into the third round for him in the 2022 NFL Draft. If Cross doesn’t prove himself this year, his chances might be over.
5. Kwity Paye
The Colts extended a fifth-year team option to Paye for the 2025 season, even though his pass-rushing has been inconsistent. Paye must demonstrate that he can be a legitimate pass-rush threat and avoid being excluded from the third-down rushing lineup as he was last season. The addition of Laiatu Latu will add intrigue to how the Colts manage their edge rushing on passing downs.
6. Others Considered
Certainly, I considered several others for this list. One could strongly argue for Year 3 of Alec Pierce, similar to his fellow 2022 draft picks Jelani Woods and Nick Cross. The presence of AD Mitchell further emphasizes the need for more consistency from Pierce. Jonathan Taylor, with his new running back contract, must be a bellcow and All-Pro caliber runner throughout the entire year, especially after dealing with additional injuries last season. Additionally, JuJu Brents could be a contender after his injury-plagued rookie campaign.
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