Colts 2018 rookies: Jordan Wilkins

The Colts drafted two running backs in April, which was somewhat surprising. Both ended up being productive in their first season though. Here we look at the second of the two in the draft order.

Jordan Wilkins was the second of the two running backs drafted after Nyheim Hines. Wilkins was taken in the fifth round in April. He was thought to be the stronger of the two backs and could run in between the tackles more, and perhaps be used in goal line situations.

It was surprising that the Colts took two running backs the draft after taking starter Marlon Mack. They also had two other backs with NFL experience on their roster. But both rookies ended up contributing over time this year.

Wilkins was by far the least used back of the three main backs. He did appear in all 16 games though, and started 3 games when Mack was out with injury. In all, he rushed for 336 yards on 60 carries with 1 touchdown. He also caught 16 passes for 85 yards.

Wilkins wasn’t used as much as Hines because he doesn’t have the hands Hines does. He isn’t as good of a receiver and isn’t quite as fast. Because of that, he didn’t see the field much after the middle of the season. In fact, he had very little impact after week 11 excluding the touchdown he had in the last game of the season against Tennessee.

There is a chance that the Colts could move on from him. He doesn’t play special teams often enough and he isn’t as versatile as Hines. However, there is a better chance he stays on the roster as the number three back and gets in every now and then and increases the depth.

Wilkins still needs time to grow just like every other rookie does. If he is given the opportunity to do so, he could be a productive player in the league.