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3 bold predictions for the Colts’ 2020 season

By Brandon Daniels

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: TY Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: TY Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 26: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 26: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

1. The Colts will send 9 players to the Pro Bowl next year

The team has one of the most improved rosters in the NFL; they have 4 new starters on offense and 4 on defense. Most of the incoming players have the potential to make the Pro Bowl next year, as well.

The Colts had 3 Pro Bowlers last year. Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly on the offensive line made up the offensive selections, and Darius Leonard was the lone defensive pick. In 2020, this number will triple and hit 9 selections for Indianapolis.

On offense, the team will send 5 Pro Bowlers to Orlando. Heading the list will be QB Philip Rivers. Despite throwing 20 interceptions last year, Rivers is still a top QB in the NFL and will return to Orlando.

Nelson is the next shoo-in to the Pro Bowl next year. He’s been both an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his two seasons as a member of the Colts. The year when he doesn’t earn a Pro Bowl selection will be more of a shock than him making it at this point.

The first player that isn’t a shoo-in but is someone I predict should make it is T.Y. Hilton. A 4-time Pro Bowl selection from 2014-2017, Hilton has steadily proven that he’s a top receiver in the NFL. Injuries have slowed him down the past two years and he was held to only 12 games last year. Hilton, with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr and Trey Burton, will definitely have some of the load taken off of him as Rivers has more receivers to spread the ball to. Hilton will still be the best in the group and will be back in the Pro Bowl next year.

Kelly is another fringe candidate for a Pro Bowl candidate for next season. After appearing in all 16 games and taking 95% of offensive snaps, he was selected to join Nelson in Orlando. He should be back for his second consecutive appearance barring any injuries.

The biggest fringe candidate that I have making the Pro Bowl next year is Jonathan Taylor. Although he’s projected to share snaps with Marlon Mack, I’m expecting this to change given Mack’s injury history and Taylor’s bell ball skills on the ground overall. If Taylor can cement his bell-cow back status early enough, he has a high chance of making the Pro Bowl in 2020. In addition, he’s one of the top candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

On defense, two players stand out as locks for the 2020 Pro Bowl: Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner. Both players are All-Pros at their positions and will continue their dominance in Indianapolis.

Justin Houston is the first of two potential Pro-Bowlers for the Colts. Coming off of an 11-sack, 2 FF season, Houston is riding high after his best season since 2015 (his last Pro Bowl appearance). IF he can take his momentum into next year, he’s going to be another Colts defender that’ll be in Orlando next year.

Xavier Rhodes finalizes the list. He was a Pro Bowler last year without even recording an interception. Although he’s cooled off from his “Rhodes Closed” days in 2016 and 2017, Rhodes still has the potential to be the lockdown corner he was a few years ago. He’s going to thrive in his new environment and will be back for his 3rd Pro Bowl trip with the Colts.

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