The Indianapolis Colts have the potential to have one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2024.
Entering the second season under head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts gave us a glimpse of what could be early in the campaign before Anthony Richardson's season-ending shoulder injury.
Even after that, the Colts offense gave an impressive effort considering it was working with a backup quarterback in Gardner Minshew.
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Entering the 2024 season, which players are the most important to the unit’s success? Here are 11 players that fit the bill:
Colts' 11 most important players on offense in 2024 ranked
1. QB Anthony Richardson
The 2024 season for the Colts will go as far as AR takes them. There can be an argument made if Richardson didn’t suffer his season-ending shoulder injury then Indianapolis would have won at least a game or two more than they did and would have made the playoffs.
If he can take that Year 2 jump, the Indy offense will be a more dynamic unit because of his mobility and ability to push the ball down the field with his arm. Richardson's health is key for the offense to take the next step in Shane Steichen’s second year as the head coach.
MORE: Colts depth chart projections — Offense | Defense
2. LG Quenton Nelson
The anchor of the Colts offensive line is one of the best guards in the NFL. Not only is Nelson important to the offensive line because of his performance, but he also means a lot to the whole unit because of his knowledge of the game and what he means to the locker room as a leader. The Indy offensive line has a very different feeling if you don’t see No. 56 on it.
3. RB Jonathan Taylor
The Indy rushing attack will look a lot different this season with the AR and JT in the backfield together for more than the two snaps they had in 2023. Taylor gives the offense more potential for explosive plays on the ground not only with his legs but because the defense has to respect him, it will also open up rushing lanes for Richardson to take advantage of.
Having a healthy AR and JT in 2024 will be vital if Indianapolis wants to develop into a top-five offense in the NFL.
4. WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Mr. Reliable. That is who Pittman Jr. was for the Indy passing attack in 2023. This was very apparent in his six-game streak where he caught at least eight passes in a contest. He’s the veteran leader of the receiving corps and the one who Shane Steichen can lean on when things are getting tough and they need someone on the offense to provide a spark.
5. RT Braden Smith
Getting a healthy season from Smith would provide dividends for the Indy offense in 2024. When he wasn’t on the field in 2023 (seven missed games), the rushing attack and pass protection saw a drop-off in performance. He underwent off-season surgery on his knee to hopefully put his health issues behind him. If Smith can play a full schedule this season, perhaps he will get his first Pro Bowl nod and help the Colts get to the playoffs.
MORE: 8 Colts who could earn first Pro Bowl nods
6. C Ryan Kelly
The elder statesman of the Colts offense is coming off a bounce-back season and is looking to carry that over into his ninth campaign. Kelly has seen everything throughout his career. Having his veteran presence to help with pass protection calls can’t be understated. It also helps Indianapolis to have one heck of a one-two punch in the interior with him and Quenton Nelson.
7. LT Bernhard Raimann
If Raimann can continue his trajectory then his importance to the Indy offense will increase by the end of this year. He’s getting recognition for his performance in his first two seasons and with a stellar Year 3, Raimann can break out into being seen as one of the best tackles in the league.
8. WR Josh Downs
Downs flashed some good things during his rookie season. He was great in open space with the ball in his hands, created explosive plays with his route running, and was a reliable piece in the passing attack to help pick up first downs. No pun intended. Downs has the potential to be recognized as one of the best slot receivers in the NFL over the next few seasons.
9. WR Alec Pierce
Having AR back in the lineup will help open up the deep passing attack for the Colts. That is the role that Pierce plays in the offense and he had his moments in 2023 where that was on display. A couple of underrated things that Pierce brings to the offense are his blocking and ability to run his routes to help open up passing windows for his fellow receivers.
10. WR Adonai Mitchell
Is the second-round pick already an important piece to the Indy offense? Mitchell brings a different element to the receiving corps because of his ability to separate and can be a weapon for Richardson in the red zone. He will compete with Alec Pierce for the starting X-role this summer. Regardless if he isn’t the opening-day starter, Mitchell will have a role in the rotation and is a quality option if he has to fill in if Pierce or Michael Pittman Jr. have to miss any time.
11. RG Will Fries
Fries was one of the pleasant surprises for the Colts in 2023. Under the tutelage of Tony Sparano Jr., he took a major step in his development in Year 3 and turned into a starting-caliber guard with his performance. This was key to the offensive line finding stability and having continuity in the unit heading into the 2024 season.
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