The Indianapolis Colts roster has quickly turned from the aging unit it was to a group budding with youth simply over the last three offseasons.
With those young players developing their games early in their careers, some growing pains take place. Accompanying that growth, though, is also the potential for some of these players to break out and make a name for themselves as up-and-coming studs.
Here are eight Colts that could break out during the 2019 season:
RB Marlon Mack
An argument can be made that Mack has already broken out after a strong second half in 2018. However, it didn’t feel complete given that he missed four games due to injury and failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark.
The table is set for Mack to have a truly awesome campaign in Year 3. He’s likely to be the starter in the backfield working behind a stout offensive line and in an offense that ran the most plays from scrimmage in 2018. He was extremely efficient during his sophomore season averaging 4.7 yards per carry while also averaging 17.7 touches per game.
If Mack can stay healthy, there is a high chance he breaks the 1,000-yard threshold while making a name for himself as one of the most explosive running backs in the game.
CB Quincy Wilson
There are few players that face as much of a vital season as Wilson, who will be out to prove he can handle a starting role in the secondary. After a roller coaster of a career thus far since being drafted in the second round in 2017, Wilson has the skills to put it all together in Year 3.
The Florida product seemed to find his way under the tutelage of veteran Mike Mitchell. Wilson will be competing with second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin for a starting role in the secondary, but there is a chance the Colts simply move him around.
Wilson has a lot to prove in Year 3 after failing to live up fully to his draft billing and if he can begin to put it together, the ceiling is high for the 22-year-old.
DE Kemoko Turay
It appeared early on during the 2018 season that Turay would have a strong impact in the pass rush for the Colts, but injuries derailed those hopes. Turay wound up with just 4.0 sacks during his rookie campaign while working in a rotation with Al-Quadin Muhammad.
With speed off the edge, Turay has been putting in the work this offseason to come back with a better plan. The Rutgers product has a chance to grab a meaningful role in the defense, which should feature a heavy rotation of pass rushers.
Turay’s skill set is intriguing for the Colts. He’s a speedy, bendy edge rusher that has the potential to be a solid contributor in getting after the quarterback. If he can stay healthy, he has the chance to break out in just his second season.
DT Jihad Ward
Some breakouts can be league-wide where both conferences learn who a player is. Other types of breakouts simply include carving out a role on a player’s respective side of the ball. Ward likely falls into the latter.
Though he only played in six games before suffering an injury, Ward managed to record 3.0 sacks from the interior defensive line. If he can stay healthy, there is a chance he works his way into the interior rotation along with Denico Autry and Tyquan Lewis.
There is some development that must take place in terms of Ward’s pass-rushing acumen, but he can be a surprise impact player for the Colts if he can put it together.
S Malik Hooker
Sure, Hooker is a well-known player across the league after being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft and recording three interceptions in seven games during his rookie season. But he’s yet to have that true breakout year.
There is a bit of a misconception with Hooker’s season in 2018. Because he only recorded two interceptions, some believe he had a down year. While his production wasn’t what was to be expected, the Ohio State product wasn’t challenged much in his deep half of the field.
With the potential of the Colts changing their defense to feature more single-high looks, Hooker could have more free-reign as a centerfielder. If that happens, expect his numbers to shoot up.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
The former VCU basketball standout showed in 2018 that he can be an impactful player either as an in-line blocker or making ridiculous one-handed catches in the end zone.
There is still a whole lot of development to take place with Alie-Cox, but he’s likely to enter the season as the third tight end behind Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. He has all the tools to be a dual-threat weapon for the Colts, and it wouldn’t be surprising if his usage increased in 2019.
Alie-Cox likely won’t be a starter barring any injuries to the position, but he does have the chance to break into a solid role in the offense both as a blocker and a receiver.
WR Parris Campbell
There is already a ton of hype surrounding the second-round pick in Campbell. He’s a perfect fit for the offense and fills a massive need in the YAC department. The Colts need a dangerous weapon that can create offense after the catch.
It isn’t often that rookies break out in the Darius Leonard terms, but Campbell has a chance to make an immediate impact if he can carve out that starting role from the slot early on. The Colts also want to use him on the outside, but he’s likely to due most of his damage as a flanker.
There is expected to be a massive competition with the Colts wide receivers, but Campbell has a skill set that sets him apart from the majority of the room. In a high-volume offense, he’s set up to be a breakout candidate.
WR Deon Cain
It is highly unlikely that two wide receivers break out for the Colts in 2019, especially given how much the tight ends get utilized. However, the potential is still there for Cain as he comes off of his ACL injury.
The hype train was strong following Cain during training camp to the point where some thought he would eventually take over the WR2 role opposite T.Y. Hilton. It isn’t clear if that’s the case anymore, but his abilities give him the opportunity to have a coming out party.
Cain is expected to be fully cleared for training camp. It should be a fun competition to watch, especially with the potential of one of the wide receivers breaking out.
