How the Colts can better utilize Jordan Wilkins

The Colts running back had a decent rookie year, but his usage fell off at the end of the season. How can the team better utilize his skill set?

Jordan Wilkins was one of two running backs the Colts drafted last season. Besides the back out of Ole Miss, the Colts also took Nyheim Hines out of North Carolina State. Hines was the back who was used more late in the season as Wilkins struggled to find the field.

In five of the last six games of the regular season, Wilkins did not have a single carry. Part of that was due to the fact that Marlon Mack was playing so well. The other part is that Wilkins just wasn’t quite being as effective as he could’ve been with his carries.

So how do the Colts get the most out of the second year back? First off, use him in more goal line situations. He is a stronger back than both Mack and Hines and can run in between the tackles better. They can use him when the field shortens up.

Wilkins also showed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He didn’t have a single drop, and caught every ball that was thrown his way. Hines is noted as the better receiver, but he struggled with drops. Wilkins should be utilized more in that role too.

It sounds like it will be tough for Wilkins to get playing time with how much they like Hines and Mack. But if Wilkins can work hard this offseason, he can show why he deserves more time on the field.