INDIANAPOLIS – One of the most popular annual pre-camp storylines we dive into is the debate on the most ‘indispensable’ Colts.
In 2021, there’s some very interesting cases to be made, on both sides of the ball.
Let’s rank the top-5 players the Colts can’t afford to lose this season:
1. DeForest Buckner: Without question, Buckner’s own play ranks right up there with any other player on the Colts roster. For that, he deserves a spot high on this list. But he climbs from No. 2 to No. 1 because of those around him along the defensive line this season. Gone are Justin Houston and Denico Autry. The Colts have names and resources invested on the D-line, but it’s a group that lacks a lot of proven production in the NFL, particularly in the pass rush department. Losing Buckner would mean the Colts are without an All-Pro talent who disrupts the line of scrimmage throughout a 60-minute game, and someone who commands routine double teams.
2. Quenton Nelson: Last year, I got some pushback for not putting Nelson in my top-5. The reason for that largely came from the position he plays. This year though, I have him No. 2. A major part in that thinking is because Anthony Castonzo is no longer on the roster. If the Colts somehow lost Nelson, the left side of their line would take a massive hit, depending on the health of Eric Fisher at left tackle. Nelson is an All-Pro. The Colts have some other backup guards who could fill-in, but none with the rare ability of the Notre Dame product.
3. Darius Leonard: Just like the first two names on this list, Leonard rises up in 2021. That occurs because of the linebacker position missing some quality depth with Anthony Walker now in Cleveland. If Leonard or Bobby Okereke were to go down, the Colts would really be counting on inexperienced linebackers. And that doesn’t even account for the type of linebacker that Leonard is for the Colts. He finds the ball better than any other LB in the NFL and that can’t be taken for granted.
4. Carson Wentz: Virtually any team’s quarterback is going to appear on such a list, especially when the backup has never even dressed for an NFL game. Last year, Philip Rivers ranked 3rd on this list, and that was with Jacoby Brissett (with more than 30 career starts) as the backup. Some might argue that Wentz should be higher on the list, given Jacob Eason’s lack of experience. That’s fair. I don’t think there’s a big gap between Wentz and the No. 2 spot on this list.
5. Eric Fisher: In years past, left tackle Anthony Castonzo has been the no brainer choice at No. 1 (for me). Fisher’s injury situation pushes him down a bit, and the fact that the Colts do have better depth at left tackle this year, compared to past seasons. Even though the overall depth of the offensive line has improved this offseason, the group still deserves two names on this list. This position just means too much to the Colts.
-Thoughts: Other names that crossed my mind included Xavier Rhodes, Michael Pittman, Ryan Kelly and Kenny Moore. One could certainly argue that the depth at safety (or lack thereof) means the availability of Khari Willis and Julian Blackmon are very important. That’s definitely true. At corner, the position really drops off after Rhodes and Moore. For me, Pittman is the new No. 1 wideout, with a few more questions on the guys behind him. Kelly was No. 4 on the list last year, but Danny Pinter’s presence drops his importance.
