Pro Football Network Believes Colts Duo Could Have 'Standout' Seasons

The Indianapolis Colts have young talent in key areas of the roster ready to have breakout seasons in 2024.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks the field during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts possess a young roster going into 2024. While it always pays to have solid veterans like defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, cornerback Kenny Moore II, and guard Quenton Nelson, it's also key to have younger talent developing around those stars. For Indianapolis, this isn't an issue with names like quarterback Anthony Richardson, wide receiver Josh Downs, and cornerback JuJu Brents.

In a recent article detailing the NFL's All-Breakout Team for 2024, Pro Football Network's Dallas Robinson placed a duo of Colts on this list. Richardson occupies the quarterback slot, while an unexpected former seventh-rounder, Will Fries, makes the ranks for right guard. Starting with Richardson, Robinson had nothing but glowing reviews outside of the injury woes.

"While he needs to stay healthy, Richardson’s upside inside Shane Steichen’s Colts offense is almost unimaginable. Richardson’s arm strength and mobility give Steichen so many more options in the Colts’ rushing and passing attacks, while his gravity as a running threat should help RB Jonathan Taylor find open lanes."

- Dallas Robinson | Pro Football Network

Richardson's abilities and raw athleticism need no explanation or introduction. All that matters is Richardson remaining on the field and injury-free for 2024 and he has the potential to be an automatic top-10 quarterback. If this happens, expect a solid season from him and players like running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who will likely see a boost in productivity.

While it's somewhat expected for a player like Richardson to take the slot on Robinson's list, Fries makes an appearance after going nearly unnoticed for his improved 2023 performance by most media.

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Aug 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

After a rough outing in 2022, Fries was trusted to continue starting at right guard for the 2023 campaign. Initially, it looked like a mistake on behalf of the Colts front office and general manager Chris Ballard. But, looking back, it was the right choice with Fries's improvement on almost all fronts as a lineman. Fries played 1,125 offensive snaps and concluded the year with Pro Football Focus blocking grades of 61.2 overall, 65.4 pass, and 59.7 run. To call Fries a potential breakout star for 2024 is a bit of a stretch. But, he is undoubtedly becoming more consistent and reliable in all facets of blocking.

"Right guard Will Fries took a significant step forward as a pass blocker last season after putting actively poor reps on tape the year prior. The most anonymous member of the Colts’ O-line, Fries benefits from playing between center Ryan Kelly and right tackle Braden Smith but proved himself as a starting-caliber option in 2023."

- Dallas Robinson | Pro Football Network

Looking at Fries's grades and performance throughout the 2023 season, he didn't have the luxury of having center Ryan Kelly (2023 Pro Bowler; 14 games) and rock-solid right tackle Braden Smith (10 games played) for all 17 games. Fries had to block with rookie Blake Freeland playing 568 snaps at right tackle and Wesley French with 266 at center and still produced under Tony Sparano Jr. Fries is on track to continue improving if his trajectory continues into 2023. While it's not likely, we'll see if Fries can continue to silence doubters and earn breakout status for the upcoming campaign.

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