3 Colts Defenders Who Could Earn Their First Pro Bowl in 2023

The Indianapolis Colts defense has some players who have the potential to earn a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. For these three players, it would be their first selection.

Defense is still of vital importance to an NFL team, even in a league where the offense is king. For the Indianapolis Colts, defense is an area that boasts some interesting talents.

The following three defensive players were able to showcase what they had during a brutally bad 2022 season, putting on display some arguments that there could be a Pro Bowl for each in the 2023 campaign should they continue where they left off.

Three offensive counterparts were listed in the previous piece, with running back Jonathan Taylor being the sole former Pro-Bowler. So for this entry, here are three Colts players on the defense who could potentially be crowned with their first Pro Bowl in 2023.

#1) Julian Blackmon – Safety

© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Safety Julian Blackmon has already had an interesting career, and he will only be 25 years old by the time the NFL season begins.

Drafted out of Utah in 2020 in the third round, Blackmon made an impact immediately for the Colts as a rookie. He recorded 42 tackles, 6 passes defended, and 2 interceptions during his intro campaign.

However, 2021 would see him go down with a season-ending Achilles tear after six games. He would rebound last season with a career-high in tackles, putting up a total of 50. Blackmon’s potential is still quite high, and he may not have hit that ceiling yet.

If Blackmon can maintain his health for the new season, he could be a big contributor to Gus Bradley’s scheme.

Just within the last month, Blackmon moved from free to strong safety.

Julian Blackmon loves to talk and to be involved, so a move from free safety to strong safety only feels natural to him. #Coltshttps://t.co/qGKqdTkuTk

— IndyStarSports (@IndyStarSports) June 13, 2023

This could suit his skills better, allowing him to play closer to the line of scrimmage and deliver bigger hits to put pressure on running backs and tight ends. His coverage skillset could also make life hard for those two offensive position groups, as well as wide receivers.

If Blackmon can return to what put him on everyone’s radar in 2020 and build off of last season, he could see himself with his first-ever Pro Bowl nomination now that he’s more comfortable in his new role.

#2) Zaire Franklin – LB

Mandatory Credit: Armond Feffer-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Shaq Leonard wasn’t able to play like he wanted with a nagging nerve issue in his lower back, which limited him to just three games. However, this opened the door for another linebacker to shoulder the responsibility. This player was Zaire Franklin.

In 2022, Franklin went on a heater, breaking the Colts’ single-season tackle record held previously by Leonard with 167. He would also throw in 6 passes defended and 12 tackles for loss. Given that sort of performance, it’s not hard to think Franklin could earn a Pro Bowl.

One may think that if Leonard returns healthy, perhaps Franklin won’t exact those numbers. I believe that with Franklin essentially one of the biggest contributors now on defense, he will shine even more with a healthy Leonard on the field with him.

Look for Franklin to continue elevating his play as he pursues his first Pro Bowl nod.

#3) Grover Stewart – DT

© Armond Feffer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the most difficult areas to move the ball against the Colts last season was through the interior. One reason is the monstrous performances of DeForest Buckner. However, it’s easy to highlight Buckner, who has compiled two Pro Bowls already (2018 and 2021) and another two All-Pros to his awards in 2019 and 2020.

Stewart, on the other hand, may have been snubbed in 2022 due to a horrendous four-win season.

Stewart was an animal on the defensive front, collecting 70 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3 passes defended. The fact he wasn’t in the conversation for a Pro Bowl could be considered an “overlook.”

2023 could be the season for the one known by the Colts faithful as “Big Grove” to cement himself as Pro Bowler. He has even garnered some to believe he’s deserving of the first contract extension of 2023. Has he played himself into that? I believe so.

Will he do enough this season to get a Pro Bowl nomination? I also believe that.

It will depend on how well Indianapolis can put pressure from the outside on QBs. If the defensive ends can pinch passers and runners, Stewart could add sacks and more tackles for loss to his stat line for 2023.

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