The Indianapolis Colts have a roster full of young talent that is expected to keep them as one of the top teams in the league during the 2019 season. That typically comes with a few Pro Bowl seasons.
Even though the accomplishment of earning a Pro Bowl selection has waned in recent years, there are a few Colts that have yet to achieve the feat in their career. That could possibly change in 2019.
Here are six Colts who could earn their first Pro Bowl selections in 2019:
LB Darius Leonard
Okay this one is kind of cheating, but it’s still within the parameters for the list. Should Leonard have been a Pro Bowler after being named a First-Team All-Pro and winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year? Indubitably.
Yet, he was still mysteriously kept from a Pro Bowl selection as the committee listed him as an outside linebacker rather than inside—he played WILL for the majority of the season.
Barring injury, Leonard gets the first Pro Bowl selection of his career in 2019.
S Malik Hooker
The former first-round pick hasn’t quite put up the type of production expected of his draft billing, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had an impact i the secondary. A torn ACL cut his rookie season short and while his numbers were low in 2018, the metrics show he simply wasn’t targeted deep.
Hooker is finally fully healthy entering training camp for the first time in his career and with the Colts potentially using more single-high coverage, his chances of grabbing a Pro Bowl nod increase greatly.
C Ryan Kelly
Had it not been for some tough injuries during the second half of the regular season in 2018, Kelly likely would have made the Pro Bowl. At least, he would have made the decision very close for the voting committee.
The Alabama product was as stout as ever both as a run blocker and as a pass protector during his third season. However, he was only on the field during the regular season for 12 games—which all but kills any chances at a Pro Bowl nod.
Healthy entering 2019 and with plenty to prove wanting an extension, Kelly might have his first Pro Bowl coming up.
RB Marlon Mack
There is a lot of hype surrounding the Colts entering this season, and even more so with the young running back that is expected to take a major step forward in his third year.
Mack was on a torrid pace during the second half of the regular season that helped him almost eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. He fell short due to injuries, but there is a strong chance he makes a Pro Bowl case in 2019.
If Mack can stay healthy and continue some of that magic that helped him average 4.7 yards per carry, he’s certainly in the conversation for his first Pro Bowl.
CB Kenny Moore
Now the league’s highest-paid slot cornerback thanks to a four-year extension given this offseason, Moore has jumped on the map as one of the underrated defensive backs in the entire NFL.
Though he’s just entering his third season—if Moore keeps progressing—there is a high likelihood the Valdosta State product lands his first Pro Bowl nod. He led the team in passes defended and even proved to be a solid nickel blitzer down the stretch.
He can work in man, zone and press coverage with ease and should see enough volume to have a chance at getting his first selection.
DT Denico Autry
Likely to some surprise outside of Colts nation, Autry had a wonderful season when he was on the field. He led the team with 9.0 sacks in just 12 games and earned recognition as a potential Pro Bowl replacement.
That didn’t come to fruition. However, we’ve seen just how well Autry fits in the Colts’ gap-shooting front. His explosiveness and athleticism allow him to get upfield quickly to impact the quarterback.
If Autry plays a full 16 games as the pace he was on in 2018, it will be hard to deny him his first Pro Bowl.
