The Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t expect a Super Bowl (or even playoff appearance) in 2023. That being said, fans can expect massive growth from a carousel of young talent. To go along with the most athletic rookie class of all time, the Colts have a few returning players set for break out seasons.
1. Dallis Flowers – Cornerback
Colts Cornerback Dallis Flowers (33) – Indianapolis Colts
The news of Isaiah Rodgers Sr’s gambling issue shook not only the landscape of the NFL but also the Colts’ plans on defense and special teams. Rodgers Sr. was the Colts’ main returner as well as starting corner and with the impending indefinite suspension, it’s a good thing the Colts have a viable replacement. Dallis Flowers, a 2022 undrafted corner out of Pittsburg State, had the door of opportunity smashed open.
Flowers will be amongst a group of young, hyper-athletic cornerbacks battling for starting defensive snaps. In 13 games last season, Flowers recorded 14 defensive tackles and one forced fumble, but his biggest impact was felt on special teams. Flowers’ ability as a returner will make him a weapon this season.
With former special teams whiz Bubba Ventrone leaving for browner pastures, new coordinator Brian Mason has to be thrilled about the potential of his new return man. In Flowers’ rookie season, he averaged 31 yards per kick return with his longest being an 89-yarder against the Steelers in week 12. It will be interesting to see how the NFL’s new fair catch rule for kickoffs will affect returns, but Flowers has the ability to return punts as well. Nyheim Hines recently held that role until he was shipped off the Buffalo last season.
Flowers is certainly capable of winning one of the starting cornerback spots, but with his unique speed and ball-carrying skills he is a lock to break out as the Colts’ number-one return specialist.
2. Bernhard Raimann – Tackle
Colts Left Tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ 2022 offensive line could be compared to buying FTX, a waste of money with a dramatic fall from grace. The Colts underperformed their paychecks by millions even under the influence of Colts legendary center, Jeff Saturday.
However, Saturday’s coaching stint did offer one player a unique opportunity for growth. Bernhard Raimann, the Colts’ 2022 second-round pick, took every opportunity to learn with increased responsibility. Raimann, who originally hails from Austria was a foreign exchange student who found his way onto the Central Michigan Chippewas as a tight end. In a covid affected 2020 season, Raimann switched to offensive tackle. His raw talent made him an All-MAC selection at left tackle in 2021. He didn’t even start playing football until he was 14 in Vienna! What Raimann needed most was time on task and Saturday gave it to him.
Raimann gained valuable experience going against elite NFL talents such as Matthew Judon, Khalil Mack, and Micah Parsons. According to PFF Raimann scored 21st out of 81 offense tackles and was second amongst rookies in pass protection. He learned lessons quickly and adapted his game.
Raimann has brought these lessons into the Colts’ 2023 off-season program. New Offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter, said, “The trajectory is heading in the right direction with him.” Cooter went on to say Raimann has a great mentality and potential for growth in the NFL.
Raimann is poised to take over at left tackle for Anthony Richardson. If everything goes to plan, we could be looking at the latest version of Andrew Luck and Anthony Costanzo.
3. Dayo Odeyingbo – Defensive End
Colts Defensive End Dayo Odeyingbo (54) – Indianapolis Colts
Unlike the Colts’ 2022 offense, the defense wasn’t painful to watch! The young and improving talent is promising even though their 2022 sack leader, Yannick Ngakoue, won’t be returning to the team. Instead, the Colts have two options to replace Ngakoue in the starting rotation. Third-year 2021 second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo or Samson Ebukam who signed a three-year, 24 million-dollar contract this off-season. Both players recorded 16 solo tackles and five sacks in 2022, but Odeyingbo only started four games to Ebukam’s 15.
Over the last two seasons, Odeyingbo has steadily improved and is set to play a bigger role in the rotation. He is five years younger than Ebukam and equally as productive. Odeyingbo is in his second season in Gus Bradley’s defensive front-oriented scheme. According to J.J. Stankevitz of Colts.com Odeyingbo said, “he put on 11 pounds of muscle.” He may not see starts at the beginning of the season, but he will certainly earn his spot as a major contributor opposite Kwity Paye.
As the Indianapolis Colts embark on a new chapter in their storied franchise these three players will be major contributors in the franchise’s return to glory. Expect Flowers to dazzle in the return game, Raimann to lock down the blindside, and Odeyingbo to wreak havoc in the enemy’s backfield. In 2023, fans should not expect a miraculous deep playoff push fueled by love and hope, but they should expect growth every week from their young stars.
