3 Colts players who could be nice surprises in 2024
Everyone loves a surprise, especially when it stems from players on your favorite teams outperforming expectations. It happens every year, for every team, and it will be no different for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.
When it comes to the Colts, you pretty much know what you're going to get from guys like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Kenny Moore II. But, what about some of the team's more unheralded players? Some of those guys will have the opportunity to step up and establish themselves in a big way.
Here's a look at three Colts players who could be nice surprises during the '24 season.
Nick Cross, Safety
Julian Blackmon is a free agent, and even if he's back in Indianapolis, Nick Cross could see an increased workload in 2024. Cross started just a total of two games in each of his first two seasons with the Colts, but he saw an uptick in playing time during his second season.
Cross played just 11 percent of all available defensive snaps as a rookie. That number jumped up to 25 percent last season and will likely hop up again next season. He's also been a consistent contributor on special teams over his first two seasons, and he will likely continue to see substantial time in kickoff coverage.
The Colts will need players to step up in the secondary next season, and Cross is a prime candidate.
Trey Sermon, Running back
Behind starter Jonathan Taylor, the Colts are pretty thin at running back. Zack Moss joined the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, which likely paves the way for an increase in workload for fourth-year back Trey Sermon.
Sermon had just 35 attempts for 160 yards last season playing behind both Taylor and Moss, but those numbers will almost assuredly rise considering the fact that it looks like Sermon could be the second back on the depth chart once the season starts.
Taylor led the league in rushing attempts and yards in 2021, but his availability has been limited since then. He played in 11 games in 2022 and just 10 games last season. He's expected to be fully healthy next season, but even still, there should be plenty of action for Sermon.