The 2024 NFL draft class for the Indianapolis Colts will be donning the horseshoe for the first time on the practice field this weekend with rookie minicamp.
There are plenty of factors for playing time that can change over the next four months, and there aren't a lot of significant roles up for grabs on either side of the ball.
Still, let’s take a look at how the rookies rank for the Colts on their potential impact in their first season:
Colts rookies ranked by potential impact in 2024
1. DE Laiatu Latu
First-round picks typically should make an impact from the get-go and that is the expectation for Latu. He is the most polished pass rusher from his class, which should get him on the field as much as possible. Latu enters a crowded edge rusher group but with his ability, he can push for a starting role.
If he doesn’t earn that role in the preseason, he still will have a spot in the rotation and can carve out more playing time with more impact plays he makes. One thing that will help Latu is his versatility to kick inside, it will get him to be included in more packages that Gus Bradley creates this summer.
2. WR Adonai Mitchell
Mitchell will be battling with Alec Pierce in training camp for the X role in Shane Steichen’s offense. If he outshines Pierce in the preseason, there is a chance he could be a starter as early as opening day. He will at least start the season working in the rotation but if he proves he can help elevate the passing attack then Mitchell can see more playing time as the season goes along.
3. WR Anthony Gould
The fifth pick of this class ranks this high because of the new kickoff rules the NFL has implemented this season. Gould offers an electric return ability, barring a disappointing preseason performance as a returner, he should have that role on the special teams. He also can make more of an impact outside of being a returner, he can be an explosive piece in the rotation for Shane Steichen’s offense to have a role in the rotation.
4. DB Jaylin Simpson
Simpson enters a situation where he could see playing time early in his career with the question marks the Colts have in their secondary. He is going to start at cornerback but his versatility to play in the slot and as a safety can help him carve out a spot in the rotation. Simpson will help make an impact on special teams but if the other young players in the secondary don’t take the next step and he makes plays when he is on the field, there is a path to more playing time by the end of the year.
5. LB Jaylon Carlies
The plan for Carlies is to transition to linebacker after playing as a safety in college. He will be developed for the money-backer role that Ronnie Harrison Jr. played last year and does have the upper hand on the rookie entering training camp. Where Carlies will make an early impact is on special teams. But with a lack of proven depth beyond Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, if either has to miss any time this season, Carlies could hear his number called sooner than later.
6. OL Tanor Bortolini
If the Colts don’t have to depend on their rookie offensive linemen in 2024, then that is a good thing because it means the starting five stayed healthy for all 17 games. Even though Bortolini wasn’t the first lineman selected, he gets the nod because he has an opportunity to win the backup center spot on the depth chart. Ryan Kelly has played a full schedule once in the last four seasons and if Bortolini enters the season as the backup and Kelly misses time, that is his path to making an impact as a rookie.
7. OL Matt Goncalves
As I mentioned, the Colts hope they don’t see Goncalves on the field much in 2024. He will start his career as a swing offensive lineman, who the team believes can play across the offensive line. His path to playing time as a rookie is if Quenton Nelson or Will Fries have to miss any time. Goncalves could help fill in at tackle but I see the coaching staff trusting Blake Freeland as the swing tackle because of the experience he gained in 2023.
8. CB Micah Abraham
The first step for Abraham to make an impact is to make the 53-man roster. The good news is he enters a cornerback room where there are spots for the taking, including the backup nickel role to Kenny Moore II. If Abraham makes the cut, he will make an impact on special teams as a gunner and could see playing time if injuries hit the position like they did in 2023.
9. DT Jonah Laulu
Could the Colts get a third season in a row get a surprising impact from a seventh-round selection? The difference between the situations of Rodney Thomas II and Jaylon Jones is that Laulu faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. The Indy defensive front is deep so he will have to show the front office there is something special for him to make the cut.
Whether he does or he finds himself on the practice squad, it will likely take a number of injuries for Laulu to make an impact as a rookie.
For more Colts coverage, check out Cody Manning's work on Sporting News.
