5 Underrated Colts Having Strong 2023 Season

Five players that have been shining under the radar for Indy in 2023.

The Indianapolis Colts are enjoying a little bit of success in the 2023 season, despite sitting at 3-4 nearly halfway through the year. Luckily, the Colts did just finish the tough part of their schedule and the road ahead looks much cleaner in terms of opponents.

With the halfway point of the season approaching, it's time to look back on this team as a whole and highlight some players that have stood out this season. Obviously some lesser known players-- such as running back Zack Moss and pass rusher Samson Ebukam-- have been outstanding to start the year, but they have rightly been getting the praise they deserve in the media. 

Today's article is all about the under-the-radar players. The players that may not have the gaudy stats or the high level production to deserve high praise, but their play has been essential for the success of the Colts in 2023. Here are FIVE players that have stood out despite being underrated by the fans/media this year.

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1.) Will Fries, Right Guard

This first entry is slightly cheating because most fans have been complimentary of Fries' play this season, but he still deserves even more credit for the year he is having. Third year right guard Will Fries entered this season as the unquestioned starter at the position, despite the constant clamoring by fans and analysts alike to sign a veteran to start over the young player.

The Colts, and Fries, ignored those constant outcries and the results have been excellent for the team. Pro Football Focus has Fries graded out as the 20th best guard in the NFL, which puts him in the top half of the league at the position. He has allowed just one sack and one QB hit in 288 pass blocking snaps so far this season.

Will Fries has given the Colts average to above average play at a position that many were concerned about heading into the season. He can still take another step in his development going forward but Fries performing at the level he has so far has been one of the best developments for this team in 2023.

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2.) Drew Ogletree, Tight End

2022 sixth round pick Drew Ogletree was the preseason darling of last year before an ACL tear sidelined him for his entire rookie season. After a long road to recovery, Ogltree has returned in a big way for this Colts' team. After seven games, he may be the closest thing this team has had to Jack Doyle since the veteran tight end's retirement in 2021.

Ogletree is currently Pro Football Focus' sixth highest rated run blocker at tight end in the NFL this year. He has been a versatile piece of the Colts' run game, lining up anywhere from sniffer back to halfback to on the line as a traditional tight end. His seven receptions for 95 yards (and a TD) may seem a tad underwhelming, but he has done a fantastic job of hauling in most of the passes thrown his way.

Ogletree has been an excellent story this year for the Colts and there is still so much potential left untapped in his game. The arrow is certainly trending up with this young player.

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3.) Jaylon Jones, Cornerback

Rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones was thrust into the Colts' starting lineup back in week five due to injuries, and the young player has been exceptional ever since. At only 21 years old, the rookie seventh rounder looks like a legit contributor to the Colts' defense for years to come.

In three full games played this year, Jones has allowed just four receptions (on nine targets) for 41 yards and a touchdown. Since becoming a starter back in week five, Jones leads the NFL in fewest receptions allowed (four) and in fewest yards allowed after the catch (just eight yards allowed). He also leads the NFL by a wide margin in coverage snaps per reception allowed with 24.8. 

It may be early to make this proclamation, but he is having a season eerily similar to what Rock Ya-Sin did for the Colts in 2021. Nothing flashy whatsoever in his game, but just getting the job done with great technique and fundamentals.

© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

4.) Mo Alie-Cox, Tight End

One of the more disliked players on the roster in the preseason has actually been putting together a solid year for the Colts. Is Mo Alie-Cox worth his cap hit? Probably not, but that shouldn't exclude his solid play from landing him on this list. 

Mo Alie-Cox had a rough 2022 season that led to many fans calling for his outright release in the offseason. While he hasn't been some otherworldly talent in 2023, he has positively regressed back to his old self in Shane Steichen's scheme. He is currently Pro Football Focus' 17th highest rated tight end in run blocking and he has been handling a lot of the in-line duties for the team. His four catches for 61 yards (and a TD) are underwhelming, but three of his catches have been massive gains for the offense.

Again, he hasn't been incredible this year, but it is nice to have Alie-Cox back to being a dependable blocker with the occasional big play in the passing game.

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5.) Nick Cross, Safety

The Colts traded up in the third round to acquire Nick Cross back in the 2022 NFL Draft. While the young player has hardly seen the field on defense in his 1.5 years with the team, he is still making a major impact for the Colts in a different way.

Nick Cross currently leads the NFL in special teams tackles this year with eight. He is actually one tackle ahead of former Colts' All-Pro special teamer George Odum, who is sitting at seven with the San Francisco 49ers at the moment. Cross has been a vital contributor on special teams and could be in line for an All-Pro nod if he keeps up his current pace. 

Nick Cross' time on defense will eventually come (hopefully) but for now, he is thriving in the third phase of the game.

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