Colts’ breakout players to watch before training camp

Every year before training camp starts there are a few players that look primed to break into the scene in the NFL. There are two types of “breakouts”, one is from solid player to star in the NFL, and the other is from a depth piece to an established starter. Odeyingbo is the only player on the list that I see with the potential of becoming a top tier player in the league this season.

Jelani Woods, tight end

Woods was my prime breakout candidate last year. A massive tight end that can both catch passes and block, who is also insanely athletic. His rookie season showed plenty of flashes, and tight end is a position that usually takes some time to master in the NFL. The breakout did not materialize because Jelani missed the entire year with harmstring issues, but now seems fully recovered and better than ever. With AR5 at quarterback, and the plethora of weapons the Colts have, I think Steichen will be salivating at the prospect of getting that 6’7’’ frame one-on-one in the open field.

Nick Cross, safety

The Colts’ safety position outlook looks rather bleak at the moment, and that gives players the chance to step up and secure a starting spot for themselves. The team was really high on Nick Cross, but he was considered a bit raw coming out of college. After not starting much, he ended up playing over 85% of the snaps the last three weeks of the season, and looks penciled in as the starter going into training camp. If the Colts don’t bring any outside competition, I think Cross has it relatively easy, and has the tools to become a solid starter in Gus Bradley’s scheme.

Dayo Odeyingbo, edge rusher (Star)

Dayo played over 50% of the snaps in every game last season, so he is already an entrenched starter in the Colts’ defense. The problem with him thus far has been consistency, as it is either Hurricane Dayo, who breaks apart opposing offensive lines, or he is a non-factor. I believe that he will be able to find that elusive consistency this season, and take the next step into becoming at least a top 12 edge rusher in the NFL.

Adetomiwa Adebawore, defensive tackle

Adebawore’s did not play much as a rookie, but when he did play he showed flashes as a pass-rusher, though he was unplayable at times in the running game. He will compete with Taven Bryan for a pass-rushing role on the interior of the line, but that is one he could easily win. Buckner and Stewart are not getting any younger, which leaves the door open for Adebawore to get himself consistent snaps.

Blake Freeland, tackle

Freeland was the main backup at tackle when Braden Smith was injured, and the veteran tackle is already dealing with some minor injuries here and there before training camp starts. There is a decent chance that Freeland ends up playing near 8 games again this upcoming season. Don’t get me wrong, Blake was bad at times last season, but that is to be expected of a rookie who should improve next year and perhaps start establishing himself as Smith’s replacement in the long term.