For the Indianapolis Colts to put together a playoff run this season, they will need the youthful part of their roster to be key contributors.
We ranked the 20 best players on the roster earlier this week, giving a glimpse of what the top end of the roster looks like.
This time around we rank players that are age-25 or younger. To qualify for this list, a player can’t turn 26 before the end of the regular season, which falls on Jan. 5, 2025.
Here are the 10 best players on the Colts that are 25 or younger:
Indianapolis Colts 25 and under team
10. S Nick Cross (age 22, born Sept. 10, 2001)
Cross is entering a crucial Year 3 as the expected starter at the free safety spot unless a veteran is signed ahead of the season opener. He showcased good moments towards the end of last year but has to show consistency to become a reliable starting safety.
9. WR Adonai Mitchell (age 21, born Oct. 8, 2002)
Mitchell enters the league with a chip on his shoulder after falling into the second round despite getting first-round buzz heading into the NFL draft. He will compete with Alec Pierce for the X role in Shane Steichen’s offense and should make an impact as a rookie.
8. CB Jaylon Jones (age 22, born April 3, 2002)
A surprise contributor to the 2023 season as a seventh-round pick was Jones. He finished his rookie year with 44 tackles, a TFL, and five passes defended. He has an opportunity to earn a starting role in training camp.
7. EDGE Laiatu Latu (age 23, born Dec. 31, 2000)
Latu enters the NFL with a high floor as a player. He was the most polished pass rusher in his draft class and offers the potential to be one of the best players on the roster within the next few seasons.
6. CB JuJu Brents (age 24, born Jan. 18, 2000)
Brents was another 2023 draft pick who showed positive things while on the field but dealt with injuries throughout his rookie season. He can develop into a shutdown corner if he can stay on the field and continue to grow within the defensive scheme.
5. WR Alec Pierce (age 24, born May 2, 2000)
Pierce has had his moments in his first two seasons but now has the pressure to take his next step in Year 3. A breakout season for him would help create the explosive plays the offense wants in 2024.
4. WR Josh Downs (age 22, Aug. 12, 2001)
Downs had flashes during his rookie season creating explosive plays working in the slot. He is set to make a jump in Year 2 and continue to build on the chemistry he briefly showed with Anthony Richardson last year.
3. QB Anthony Richardson (age 22, born May 22, 2002)
There is a lot to love about AR’s ceiling as a quarterback. At his age, he has plenty of time to continue his development and become one of the best players in his position for a long time. Richardson is the X-factor that will define Indy’s 2024 season.
2. EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo (age 24, born Sept. 24, 1999)
Odeyingbo is coming off a career year in Year 3 where he set career highs in multiple categories. He is set to push for a starting role in training camp and has an opportunity to cash in after another strong performance in 2024.
1. RB Jonathan Taylor (age 25, born Jan. 19, 1999)
A double take was made when I realized JT qualified for this list despite being in the NFL for four seasons. He’s one of the best players at his position and still has plenty of time before he hits that dreadful age of 30 for running backs.
