3 Overlooked Colts Who Could Make an Impact on Offense in 2023

The Indianapolis Colts have a new look for their offense as training camp quickly approaches. While there are stars and big-name players, there are also a few that are flying under the radar and could make a statement.

Running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and left guard Quenton Nelson are a few of the more recognizable names on the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive roster. While these are highly important players for the Colts to effectively move the ball, other names might not be of the household variety that could still have a big role in Shane Steichen’s new scheme.

This article will detail three Colts who could show their worth in the 2023 season despite not getting national attention or expert eyes put upon them. We’ll start in the backfield with a valuable reliever.

Zack Moss – RB

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Last season may have been a nightmare for the four-win Colts, but the trade where Indy sent off former running back Nyheim Hines to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Zack Moss was a good move.

While he might not possess insane quickness and the ability to seemingly dart across defenders as a receiving back specialist, Moss does have the element of variety on his side and is a better pure running back.

Last season, Moss filled in for the injured Taylor and played admirably on a bad offense. In eight games, Moss would accumulate 76 carries for 365 rushing yards and an impressive 15 first downs. He can also play a bit of the receiving back role, forcing defenses to play him differently than they would Hines.

Generally, when Hines was in the game, it was a clear-cut answer that the Colts were likely going to the air. However, Moss is a bruiser of a runner and could get handoffs from the shotgun or behind the QB.

Arguably the biggest reason he can make an impact is the fact that he’ll help ease Taylor’s burden of carrying the offense. It’s fair that Taylor needs the ball plenty, but he’ll also need rest and reps off the field to prolong his longevity. That is where Moss will come into play. He can handle the position from many formations and even could punch in a few scores here and there.

Kylen Granson – TE

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Steichen’s offense will feature vertical elements and one-on-one matchups. For the Colts’ tight end room, the perfect fit for this type of offensive attack is Kylen Granson.

While rookie Will Mallory could have made this list, he’s still completely unproven on an NFL level.

Granson’s “move tight end” strengths complement what Steichen is trying to do. While Jelani Woods is on the slate to be the starter for this position group, Granson could be a sleeper at the spot to make big plays and be used to create separation in the slot.

So far, Granson hasn’t panned out on a high level, with only 42 catches, 408 receiving yards, and 0 scores in his first two seasons. While it is somewhat of a make-or-break year for the SMU product, he’s also in a position to succeed with the type of play calls that will be implemented, potentially allowing his strengths as a receiver to be put on full display.

Watch for Steichen to move Granson around the line of scrimmage, where he can get matchups that give him the advantage to create separation and get over the 10 yards per reception hump.

Zavier Scott – WR

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One of the most intriguing undrafted free agents that the Colts scooped up this season was Zavier Scott out of Maine.

A football version of the Swiss Army Knife, Scott played multiple positions in college.

Through his three seasons as a Black Bear, he played a total of 24 games and put together a variety of numbers. Below are his career statistics:

Rushing:

• 75 rushes; 494 yards; 6 TDs; 6.6 yards per carry

Receiving:

• 60 receptions; 649 yards; 2 TDs; 10.8 yards per catch

These might not blow anyone out of the water. But, with that sort of versatility, it could hint at various uses that the Colts could have for Scott.

Given that he’s currently on the Colts’ depth chart as a wide receiver, that will likely be where he’s at most of the time, should he get snaps. But, if Indianapolis sees potential in Scott as a running back, he can also be placed in the backfield with an already talented bunch.

Look for Steichen to potentially have plans for Scott to be moved all over the offense should he make the final roster and get some playing time on the field.

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