With the 2023 NFL season on the horizon, the Indianapolis Colts should have confidence in these groups moving forward.
While the upcoming season for the Indianapolis Colts is expected to be bleak with a rookie quarterback presumably in the mix, if not starting, some mainstay position groups are ready to produce, per usual. The Colts have their aforementioned rookie Qb due to a bottom-of-the-league finish in their 2022 campaign. Thus meaning, a lot of room for improvement across the board.
This isn't just directed toward the players though, as the coaches and everyone in between could use some refinement and/or inspiration.
Although there's improvement to be had, there is still plenty of talent left on this Colts roster. Some of those players are nursing injuries or are rehabbing them entirely. Some are still getting acclimated to a newer defensive coordinator and offensive identity.
What's not unknown is just how talented some of Colts are. Let's dive into those that're regarded as the biggest strengths of the team.
3. Linebacker is a strength for the Colts
Regardless if Shaquille Leonard's return is back to form off-rip or is an obstacle-ridden welcome back, the Colts have good reason to rely on its current LB corps to get the job done. A unit that is proactively preparing for life without Leonard and is recoupping from its loss of Bobby Okereke still has promise no matter the hypothetical.
Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed lead a Shaq-less LB corps that also features special teamers such as JoJo Domann and Grant Stuard. The group may seem uninspiring to the casual eye, but proof is in the pudding that Franklin can lead any group in the NFL.
Not to mention EJ Speed is no longer the depth piece who balls out on punt blocks, but rather, a reliable LB3 who can fill in whenever called upon. Although a top-tier run-stopper, Speed still struggles in the pass game. However, if he's put into a position where he can focus on stopping the run and let Franklin do the dirty work as a true LB1, the Colts are in a good spot. Throw in Shaquille Leonard at some point and this unit can solidify itself as top-10.