3 undervalued Colts who will improve in 2022
With training camp already underway, who are three undervalued players on the Indianapolis Colts roster that will improve this season?
After a disappointing end to the 2021 season, the Indianapolis Colts overhauled their roster adding talent at several positions of need through the draft, trades, and free-agent signings. With training camp currently underway, players are starting to stand out and make a name for themselves.
Through the draft, the Colts added eight players, four on either side of the ball, and 19 UDFAs after a season where none made the roster breaking a 22-season streak of a UDFA player on their opening roster. The team also made two monumental trades bringing in Matt Ryan and Yannick Ngakoue. In free agency, they signed Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson, and Nick Foles.
These additions moved players currently on the roster up and down the depth chart. Some players are now in a prove-it scenario to earn their place on the roster and survive the preseason cuts. Let’s take a look at three undervalued Colts who will improve in the 2022 season.
3. WR Ashton Dulin
Ashton Dulin has been undervalued his whole career. Going undrafted in 2019, Dulin signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a UDFA. He worked to earn a spot on the roster making his mark on special teams.
His first two seasons were primarily spent on special teams where he started to flash and make plays. He had somewhat of a breakout season last year making plays in a receiving core that lacked talent and consistency. In addition to that, he was named to the PFF and AP All-Pro Second-Team for special teams.
Last season he played in all 17 games, starting one, and recorded career highs in receptions (13), yards (173), and touchdowns (2). Dulin emerged as a consistent presence in a receiving core that was trying to find its identity. Inconsistent quarterback play didn’t help but Dulin was featured in a few highlight plays getting nine first downs, catching two passes over 20 yards and one over 40 yards (a 62-yard reception).
Dulin returned to the Colts this season after signing his restricted free-agent tender. This alone shows how undervalued he is. The Colts get back a receiver that has been in the system for three years and is ready to step up in a wide receiver room that is looking for weapons. His direct competition is Parris Campbell, who has struggled with injuries, and Alec Pierce, a rookie drafted in the second round.
Currently, during training camp, he is rotating in with the 1’s with Pierce behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Campbell. With the lack of options at this position, Dulin has the ability to be the WR 3 or 4 at the end of camp, playing with a more experienced quarterback in Ryan who will be able to utilize his skill set.