These two Colts are next in line for a breakout season

Colts’ Isaiah Rodgers will be your breakout defender in 2022

One of the rather intriguing position battles to keep an eye on is in the secondary. Whoever lines up opposite of Stephon Gilmore will most likely have their work cut out for them, as opposing NFL quarterbacks will most likely avoid targeting the former Defensive Player of the Year.

After the “Rock Ya-Sin for Yannick Ngakoue” trade, the CB room ran pretty thin, pretty quick. Speaking of pretty quick, dual-threat kick returner slash defensive back Isaiah Rodgers is an excellent option to have.

Entering his third NFL season, Rodgers has spent majority of his duties as the Colts’ primary return specialist. Accounting for almost 2,000 return yards and 1 TD in the span, it’s prime time to shift focus.

In 2021, Rodgers saw more action than intended due to the dire need for literally anyone that could line up in the secondary. The Colts sustained multiple injuries in the backfield that seemed to linger throughout the season.

When Rodgers stepped up to cover 1s and 2s, he was graded again by PFF as one of the best man coverage CBs not just in Indy, but across the entire league. Although he started just one game officially through 18 weeks, Rodgers snagged three interceptions against some of the fastest players in the NFL, one being Desean Jackson. Another came against the rival Texans’ only legitimate viable weapon, Brandin Cooks.

His ability to track the ball in air and stick with some of the fastest players on the field are two key elements that will ignite a breakout season. Rodgers has already given the Colts a favorable showing on the field in OTAs.

Soon, he could be locked in on first-team reps and en route to becoming a future shutdown CB.

3 perfect fits Colts missed out on in free agency

After one week of free agency, the Indianapolis Colts have already missed out on several players that would have been a perfect fit for Indy.