The 2024 season was one to forget for the Indianapolis Colts with the team and most of the players on the roster not meeting their expectations ahead of the season. With that being said, a handful of players excelled past what most thought they could bring to the 2024 season.
Here are three Colts players who exceeded expectations:
SS Nick Cross
Before the season, there were plenty of analysts who thought Cross could be a liability to the Indy defense and they should have signed a veteran free-agent safety for the starting spot opposite of Julian Blackmon. Cross ended up proving the doubters wrong and was one of the most consistent players for the Colts in 2024.
He set career highs in tackles (146), TFLs (six), passes defended (six), and interceptions (three). He also had his career-first forced fumble, sack, and QB hit. His 146 tackles were the most by a Colts safety in franchise history.
Just a great play by Nick Cross. Reads and reacts to the RB screen developing, flies up the field, and gets the TFL for a 4-yard loss. pic.twitter.com/cpdmh3T3eI
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) October 15, 2024
WR Alec Pierce
When Indianapolis selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of last year’s NFL draft, that immediately created a competition between the incoming rookie and Pierce. The third-year receiver didn’t back down from the challenge and took a major leap this past season.
He set career highs in receiving yards (824), receiving YPG (51.5), touchdowns (seven), yards per reception (22.3), receiving first downs (32), receiving success rate (52.2%), and catch percentage (53.5%). His receiving yards and touchdowns were the most in the receiving corps while also having the highest yards per reception in the league.
3rd-and-15. The offensive line gives Anthony Richardson a clean pocket for him to give his receiver a chance to keep the drive alive.
Great job by Alec Pierce to track the ball, stay calm, and go up and secure the catch for the first down. pic.twitter.com/CizGAcNl8N
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) September 9, 2024
CB Jaylon Jones
The seventh-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft has been a pleasant find for the Colts. There was a level of concern over the cornerback room heading into the year outside of Kenny Moore II. Even though Jones showed some promise in his rookie season, there was the thought as a Day 3 pick, he could take a step back in Year 2.
He ended up taking a step in the right direction in his development and showed he was capable of handling starting duties. Jones started in all 17 games this past year. He ended 2024 with 100 tackles, three TFLs, 12 pass defenses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Jaylon Jones did a great job on his first career interception. He keeps his eyes on Caleb Williams, allowing him to read and react to jump on the ball for the pick.
Also, credit to Dayo Odeyingbo for getting pressure to prevent Williams from stepping into his throw. pic.twitter.com/B8FNB6aEkT
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) September 23, 2024
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