The Indianapolis Colts beat the Carolina Panthers after a week of combined practices, and we learned Indy will rely on the 2020 draft class to step up this season.
Objectively, 2020’s draft class was one of the best the Colts have had in a while, including players like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and Julian Blackmon, all players who contributed to the success of last season’s playoff run.
Then there’s Jacob Eason, who may be leading this team for a few weeks while Carson Wentz is recovering from foot surgery.
This year, that vaunted draft class will be asked to do even more, leveling up from an impressive baseline.
Jacob Eason goes to Parris. ✈️
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 15, 2021
📺 FOX/NFLN pic.twitter.com/vnfW4p70sb
With some COVID-19 restrictions rolled back from last year, NFL teams are able to have more realistic offseasons and preseasons than 2020’s version. Rookies are able to get game time experience with the preseason games — unlike last season, where Eason didn’t see the field.
This season, many players who didn’t participate last year are getting a renewed chance, as the NFL has allowed three preseason games along with a 17-game expanded season. Depth is at a higher level of import now.
NEW: I thought the Colts were the aggressors in the past two days of joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. And a big reason for that were the punishing styles of Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman. They are becoming real tone setters for this team. https://t.co/1cON12b7I4
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 14, 2021
In 2021, the previous year’s draft class will be asked to step up in a big way. Second-year receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is going to be asked to take on the role of a No. 1 receiver, as T.Y Hilton is presumably in the last year of his career, even going so far as taking a smaller deal to stay in Indianapolis. Following his (anticipated) second-half breakout, Jonathan Taylor will be asked to be a true No. 1 running back who can catch, block, and run out of the backfield, just as he did last season. It won’t be “impressive” for a rookie anymore. It’ll just be the norm.
Julian Blackmon is now a starter and leader on a defense that played very well last season, keeping the Colts in games where the offense struggled.
Of course, Eason may be front and center when the curtain rises on a season that begins with high expectations.
After a full offseason (finally), the Colts’ draft class of 2020 will be asked to step up on a young team ready for a Super Bowl run. Hopefully, they heed the call.