The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to make a return to the playoffs in 2020 for just the second time in the last six seasons. In order to do so, several players will have to step up throughout the campaign.
This doesn’t mean the following players have to become Pro Bowlers or give that type of production. But stepping up into a bigger role and producing will go a long in making a playoff run. Not all of these guys will step up, and the Colts are likely to have a few surprises along the way.
But here are six Colts who need to step up in 2020:
Parris Campbell | WR | Year 2
The Colts wide receiver corps was a unit that needed some major additions this offseason. It happened to come through the draft when the Colts brought in Michael Pittman Jr. in the second round and Dezmon Patmon in the sixth round.
While those two present intriguing cases to make an impact in 2020, Campbell shouldn’t be forgotten about in the room. Though his rookie season was defined by injuries—and lots of them—the former second-round pick can still carve out a strong role in the passing offense.
Campbell has the speed to be a difference-maker for the Colts. He might be working mostly in the slot, but Campbell is a player that should be looking to take a step forward in 2020. He showed promise when he was on the field during his rookie campaign, and the Colts need him to take on a larger role in Year 2.
Grover Stewart | DT | Year 4
It took a few years to develop, but Stewart showed in 2019 that he can be a solid force against the run. Now entering a contract year at the end of his rookie deal, Stewart has a big role to step into in 2020.
The Albany State product emerged as the starting one-technique in the middle of the defensive line. He showed a lot of promise as an early-down run stopper and is likely to hold that role again to begin the 2020 season. Additions were made to the interior, but Stewart holds a big piece of the unit’s production.
He will likely be in somewhat of a rotation with Sheldon Day, who signed with the Colts in free agency. But if Indy is to have a complete defensive line, Stewart will need to continue growing his game.
Kemoko Turay | DE | Year 3
With veteran Jabaal Sheard not returning following the end of his contract, most were expecting the Colts to take some type of action in bringing in some help on the edge. They didn’t, however, and now Turay holds a big role on the defensive side of the ball.
The Rutgers product was enjoying a strong start to the 2019 season. The sack totals might not show it, but Turay was winning consistently off the edge and looked to be enjoying a second-year breakout. But then he suffered a broken ankle against the Chiefs in Week 6 and the rest of his season was lost.
Now, Turay will be the starter opposite veteran Justin Houston. The Colts will need his speed off the edge in 2020 if the pass rush is to take any steps forward. Working as one of the starting edge rushers, Turay will need to step up big time for the Colts.
Bobby Okereke | LB | Year 2
A third-round pick in 2019, Okereke flashed a lot of promise down the stretch of his rookie campaign. Even though Anthony Walker is still viewed as the starting MIKE linebacker, Okereke has a chance to take the position over, especially with the latter entering a contract year.
Okereke is a better fit for the defense. He’s long, rangy and has the type of mold that fits today’s linebacker. There were many comparing his skill set to that of Darius Leonard. Okereke would be working as the MIKE while Leonard is the WILL, but he would have to take over the position from Walker first.
Both players will see a lot of playing time in 2020. Walker isn’t going anywhere at least for this campaign. But the Colts still need the second-year backer in Okereke to continue his growth as a playmaker in the middle of the defense.
Xavier Rhodes | CB | Year 8
After the only team he’s ever played for released him this offseason, Rhodes is looking to make a bounce-back with the Colts in 2020. His previous campaign wasn’t too kind to him as he dealt with injuries and poor play throughout the season.
The Colts are banking on the growth of second-year cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and slot corner Kenny Moore to continue carrying the room. But Rhodes holds a major role in the secondary working as the boundary corner opposite Ya-Sin.
The Colts need Rhodes to return to his strong play in 2020. Working in a zone-heavy scheme might help him make more plays on the ball and the Colts will need him to do so in 2020.
Malik Hooker | S | Year 4
The Colts may have declined the fifth-year option for Hooker, but he still needs to step up in a big way in 2020. The Ohio State product has flashed his elite range and ball skills at times, but he has to do so more consistently.
Hooker needs to step up both for the Colts and himself during the upcoming season. He will continue to be the starting free safety in the backend of the secondary, but he also needs to prove to the Colts and other teams that he can still play at a high level.
This is a major prove-it year for Hooker, who could be hitting free agency for the first time after the season. That alone makes him a player who needs to step up during the 2020 campaign.
