Colts Rookies That Will Have An Immediate Impact in 2024

Several members of the Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 rookie class are projected to make significant contributions in their first seasons.

The 2024 NFL Draft is done, and the Indianapolis Colts, like every other team in the NFL, have improved. But how much better did they perform this season?

When drafting a player, organizations analyze the future impact of that player on their team throughout their rookie contract and beyond. In a competitive AFC South and looking for their first division victory since 2014, the Colts could require an immediate impact from some of their rookie additions to push over the hump.

Here are the Colts rookies that are predicted to provide the greatest boost to the team’s prospects of victory in 2024:

Laiatu Latu

Latu’s selection with the 15th overall pick signified a shift in the Colts’ approach to edge defenders under general manager Chris Ballard. Latu falls short of a few previously held requirements for the position, including arm length, vertical jump, and broad jump.

Latu, on the other hand, possesses outstanding college productivity, something prior Colts picks lack. After missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to a serious neck injury, Latu went on a tear, recording 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023. His huge arsenal of pass-rush and counter movements stands in stark contrast to the traits-over-production model that has been popular in recent years.

Latu is also an elder rookie, as he will be 24 at the end of the season. Naturally, given his age and demonstrated ability to consistently affect the quarterback, the Colts should anticipate success at the next level early in his career.

While he is unlikely to be an every-down defender at this point, Latu should come in on passing downs and impact the game as a designated pass rusher. Sacks are a volatile figure that changes year to year, making them difficult to estimate, but realistically, Latu should challenge for the most sacks on this Colts defense in 2024. For context, Samson Ebukam led the team with 9.5 sacks last season, while Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, and Dayo Odeyingbo had 8.5, 8.0, and 8.0, respectively.

Adonai Mitchell

Logically, the Colts’ second pick in this year’s draft should be anticipated to play the second-largest role among the incoming rookies. Mitchell, who was taken 52nd overall, will fight for a starting slot as an X-receiver with third-year athlete Alec Pierce.

Winning the starting job over Pierce would allow Mitchell to reach his maximum amount of potential playing time, but regardless of whether he earns starts at any point throughout the season, he will remain in the rotation. At the very least, Mitchell should start the regular season as the fourth receiver on the depth chart, a position that will undoubtedly see significant snaps owing to the attrition of the NFL season.

Mitchell’s red zone ability will most likely be a skill that head coach Shane Steichen designs around. Mitchell has a considerably wider range of possible outcomes in terms of playing time than Latu. Mitchell’s performance in training camp and the preseason will be critical in establishing whether he is a rotation player or a full-time starter this year.

Anthony Gould

One immediate impact player on defense, one on offensively, and now one on special teams. Gould was picked as the 142nd overall pick. While he will be joining a crowded receiving room, he should be the favorite to take over the starting return specialist role when training camp begins in late July.

Last season, Isaiah McKenzie recorded 23 of the Colts’ 29 total punt returns, with Josh Downs handling the remaining six. With McKenzie off the roster and Downs seeking to take on a heavier offensive burden, there is a vacuum to fill. Throughout his career at Oregon State, Gould averaged an astounding 16.4 yards per punt return, including two touchdowns.

With this year’s kickoff rule changes, having a capable returner is more vital than in previous years. The Colts returned only nine kickoffs last season, but this year, after implementing the 2022 XFL-style kickoff, which had a 97% return rate, the ball will be in the returner’s hands several times every game. Players like Dallis Flowers and Ashton Dulin have returned kicks before, but not under these new regulations. The new kickoffs will mimic punt returns or even running plays more than prior years’ kickoffs, with a greater emphasis on elusiveness and lateral movement rather than just north-south decisive running.

Matt Goncalves/Tanor Bortolini

The circumstance for the two offensive line selections differs from that of the individuals listed above. In an ideal world, Goncalves and Bortolini would not receive much playing time this season, but as we all know, the NFL season is never perfect. Selected in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, it is evident that the Colts value these players and anticipate them carrying a heavy workload at some time during their rookie contracts.

All five of the Colts’ starting offensive lineman from this season will return in 2024. Goncalves and Bortolini may have a chance to contend for a slot in that top five, most likely at right guard, if they can knock out Will Fries, but Fries performed well last season, and Steichen cherishes continuity.

Unfortunately, an injury is the most likely scenario that will force at least one of Goncalves or Bortolini to play considerable minutes. The attrition of an NFL season creates a need for six, seven, or even eight offensive linemen who can come in and play significant roles for the team at any time.

Goncalves and Bortolini’s adaptability at many positions makes them perfect candidates for the next man up in the offensive line room. Goncalves’ experience at both tackle and guard, combined with Bortolini’s ability to play all three interior offensive line positions, means the coaches will most likely rely on them to protect Anthony Richardson in regular season action at some point this season.

The Rest of the Rookies

The Colts’ final four draft picks were all on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies, cornerbacks Jaylin Simpson and Micah Abraham, and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu are all in similar circumstances, with established starters in each position group. These late-round picks will all have to push for a spot on the final 53-man roster throughout training camp and the preseason, and they will most likely need to demonstrate their value as special teamers to do so.

That is not to imply they cannot play a key role on defense. In the previous two seasons, the Colts had a seventh-round defense become a regular starter in his rookie season. In 2022, it was safety Rodney Thomas, while in 2023, it was cornerback Jaylon Jones.

This should not be the expectation, however. With the Colts retaining practically their entire roster from last season, rookies should face more competition to not just become significant contributors but also to secure a roster place.