Despite a difficult 2024 season, some members of the Indianapolis Colts managed to thrive. There were numerous players who stood out, with Jonathan Taylor being named one of the best running backs in the league, and Josh Downs one of the best wide receivers. Alec Pierce also had a standout season, and others have likewise been major stars.
Pro Football Focus' (PFF) Mason Cameron compiled a list of the best 101 players in the NFL for 2024, and two members of the Indianapolis Colts were included.
DeForest Buckner, #92
Buckner is one of the Colts' most reliable players on defense, and he's also a leader for this Indianapolis team. He's got elite-level talent, and even as he's gotten older, he is still consistently one of the best defensive tackles in the league.
And as Cameron pointed out, Buckner was a fierce threat on defense for other teams to contend with, making his mark on the league even as he missed several games due to injury.
"Although a high ankle sprain in Week 2 limited Buckner to 12 games, his presence in the back half of the year was pivotal to the Colts‘ late-season push. Indy’s defensive captain clocked the sixth-highest PFF overall grade (81.9) among interior defenders, which was highlighted by his ability to press the pocket and bring down passers. Buckner managed to collect seven sacks on just 332 pass rush snaps, still placing him in the top 12 at the position despite missing five games. "Mason Cameron
Buckner has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, as well as once to First-Team All Pro, and once to Second-Team All Pro. In 2024, he was named the Ed Block Courage Award winner for the Colts.
Bernhard Raimann, #88
It's no surprise to see Raimann included on this list. Despite being injured this season, he still had an incredible season, and is widely considered by analysts to be well on his way to becoming one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
He was already recognized as the Colts' secret superstar for the Colts, and is an integral part of the elite Indianapolis offensive line. And Cameron sees him as not only one of the best players in Indianapolis, but in the league overall.
"While Raimann missed the better part of four games in the middle of the year due to a pair of injuries, he never skipped a beat upon his return. The third-year tackle produced a top-eight overall grade (85.9) at the position, showcasing his talents in both facets of the game while landing in the top 15 in both run blocking (80.7; 10th) and pass protection (82.0; 14th)."Mason Cameron
Raimann is a strong, consistent performer who has yet to have injuries slow him down. He's rebounded each and every time, and has made it clear that this is one player who will have a long future in the NFL, and hopefully with the Colts.