Which Colts rookie will make the biggest impact?

The Colts had a really good 2020 draft class. Which of them will make the biggest impact sooner?

The Colts did a really good job addressing holes on the roster. Chris Ballard did a good job of identifying the players that best fit his scheme and culture. He was able to draft multiple impact players on both sides of the ball. A lot of them can impact the team right away.

Which of these rookies will have the biggest impact right away though? If he was healthy, a case could be made for Julian Blackmon. Blackmon was drafted in the third round and has positional versatility. He can play safety and corner. There is a chance he takes over for Malik Hooker after this year.

But that’s next season after he is fully recovered from a torn ACL he suffered while at Utah this past year. He isn’t ready to play this year. But there are a couple of guys who are ready to play right away on the offensive end who can make a big impact.

Colts have new offensive weapons

Jonathan Taylor was so well-liked by Ballard that the Colts traded up to get him. Taylor is a running back that has a history of very high production. He, teamed with Marlon Mack, can transform the running game from very good to elite. It could be the best in the league.

But Taylor isn’t the rookie who will have the biggest impact this season. That honor will belong to Michael Pittman Jr. Pittman gives the Colts a big receiving target that they haven’t had on the outside in a long time. He is the perfect red-zone target and can catch contested balls.

Even if Taylor’s production ends up being higher than Pittman’s, the receiver’s ability to stretch the field opens up the rest of the passing game. It opens up the field for Parris Campbell and T.Y. Hilton to use their speed on go routes.

A lot is expected of Pittman after he was the first draft selection this year. He should be able to deliver what is needed from him.