The Indianapolis Colts have slowly but surely built the roster from the ground up since Chris Ballard took over as general manager of the front office and now they sport a deep roster with talent throughout.
Being in the Indianapolis market and seeing one prime-time game here and there, several of the players on the roster fly under the national radar. Even if they aren’t getting recognition from the national media, some Colts deserve a bit more attention.
Here are the five most underrated Colts entering the 2020 season:
Kenny Moore II | CB | Age: 24
While the fanbase certainly understands how good Moore is at playing the game of football, the national media has yet to catch on. Moore has emerged as one of the top slot cornerbacks in the NFL over the last few seasons and even received an extension that reflects that.
Despite his smaller stature, Moore has the length and athleticism to make plays on the ball constantly. He can work in zone, man and press coverage while being one of the surest tacklers at the position. The Valdosta State product can also apply pressure by blitzing from the nickel spot, making him an invaluable piece of the defense.
Braden Smith | RT | Age: 24
The Colts found a gem with Smith in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His selection was a part of the trade with the Jets earlier that offseason. While Quenton Nelson deservedly gets all of the love as the pick from that draft, Smith was a tremendous find for the Colts.
Though he was initially drafted to work on the interior, the Colts had a feeling he would be just fine on the edge. He proved them right when he stepped in against the New England Patriots at right tackle due to injury, and he’s been the starter ever since.
Smith faces a huge year where he can truly break out and be considered one of the top young right tackles in the game.
George Odum | S | Age: 26
Though Malik Hooker and Khari Willis will see the most time working as the tandem safeties, Odum shouldn’t be forgotten about in the slightest. Not only does he provide excellent depth in the safety room, but he also makes a massive impact on special teams, which goes a long way.
Odum might not ever step into the spotlight as a starting safety in the NFL but that doesn’t mean his skills should be undervalued. He’s a solid safety when working in a split zone and his versatility has been coveted by the Colts. Odum shouldn’t be a name we forget about when talking about the safety room.
Grover Stewart | DT | Age: 26
Unless they are a pass-rushing three-technique, it can be hard for defensive tackles to get the proper recognition. Stewart was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and while it took him a few years to develop, the Albany State product has emerged as a solid run defender working at the one-technique.
Stewart took over the starting role in the A gap during the 2019 season and will be looking to reprise his role in 2020—a contract year for him. Stewart brings a lot of strength and burst to the run game while surprisingly showing off some nimble work as a pass rusher. The 2020 campaign can be a big one for Stewart.
Zach Pascal | WR | Age: 25
There is a chance that Pascal could wind up as the team’s WR4 on the depth chart by the end of the 2020 season, but don’t let that fool you. Pascal is as steady as they come and has proven as such over the last two seasons with the Colts.
Behind T.Y. Hilton, the Colts should have an interesting competition. Michael Pittman Jr. will be competing with Pascal as the X receiver in the formation while Parris Campbell will also be competing with Pascal for the WR3 role on the depth chart. Pascal has been nothing but reliable for the Colts and has truly proven to be a solid asset in the wide receiver room.
