A Colts player is expected to have a breakout season in his first year with the team

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the 2023 season, one of their newest players is predicted to have a breakout year this season.

The Indianapolis Colts have added several new players this offseason. Of those new players, the rookie class has generated the most excitement. With an intriguing quarterback like Anthony Richardson, a promising weapon like Josh Downs, and the spotlight that the rookie corners have on them, there’s certainly plenty to talk about with the rookie class.

However, one of the veterans that the Colts added could be in line for a breakout season. In a recent piece by Brent Sobleski for Bleacher Report, Sobleski named nine veterans that are “primed for breakout seasons on new teams.” One of the players named was Indianapolis defensive end Samson Ebukam.

Samson Ebukam predicted to have breakout season with Colts

Indianapolis acquired Ebukam in free agency this offseason, signing him to a three-year deal worth $24 million. Sobleski explained that “his inclusion to the Colts' lineup should unleash him to a degree,” highlighting how his skills fit Gus Bradley’s scheme, and complement Indy’s other defensive linemen.

Ebukam has been in the NFL since 2017, playing with the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. In his last two years with the 49ers’ league-best defense, Ebukam started 26 of the 32 games he played, and recorded 74 tackles, 12 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The Colts seem to believe that Ebukam can be even more productive and he’ll have a chance to prove that. While he’s relentless against the run, he hasn’t had more than five sacks in a single season. However, he has the skillset to be a more productive pass rusher, and the way Bradley uses Ebukam should help him tap into that potential.

If Ebukam does have a breakout season, and Kwity Paye continues his development, the Colts may finally have the consistent pass rush that they’ve been trying to create for years.

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