Entering the top 5 classes of 2020 is the Indianapolis Colts, who despite not having a day one pick, had the best day two.
The first-round pick was traded to the 49ers in exchange for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. The former top 10 pick has been nothing short of a star as one of the best defensive tackles in the league, playing every game with a couple Pro Bowls and All-Pros under his belt. I love a good one pick for one player swap and I think this definitely worked out for Indy as Buckner has outplayed the player the 49ers selected in Javon Kinlaw.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been an ascending player every year, breaking 1,000 yards his second season. He had his best season last year with 1,152 yards and has blossomed into a borderline WR1. There’s just something missing that doesn’t quite put him among the top receivers in the league, but he is at the top of the next tier. He just received the franchise tag and likely won’t get paid like a top 5 receiver, but he should get a nice payday after the franchise tag if the Colts don’t sign him to an extension this offseason.
Jonathan Taylor has been the exact player and then some everyone has wanted since entering the league, being the rushing leader his second season after a 1,000 yard season as a rookie. An ankle injury cut his third season short, and delayed his 2023 season. Amid contract negotiations he was placed on the PUP list, and once he signed his new three-year deal, returned and rushed for over 700 yards in 10 games, looking like the Taylor we all loved.
Julian Blackmon look over as the starting free safety as a rookie following an injury to Malik Hooker and has held the job since. He missed much of the 2021 season with a torn Achilles, then had a career year in 2023 with 88 tackles, eight pass deflections and four interceptions. The Colts would be wise to re-sign Blackmon despite the number of safeties on the market.
Jacob Eason has had a typical journeyman backup QB career so far, serving as the third-stringer as a rookie then primary backup to start 2021, then later released and has had stints with the Seahawks, Panthers, 49ers, and Giants.
Danny Pinter has seven career starts at center and guard, and was the Week 1 starter there in 2022 but was benched after three games. He missed all of last season with a broken ankle.
Robert Windsor spent two years with the team on the practice squad and injured reserve before retirement. Dezmon Patmon spent two-plus seasons with the team and has had offseason stints with two teams. Jordan Glasgow spent two seasons with the team, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team as a special teamer, but a concussion limited his second season and was released in 2022.
Isaiah Rodgers was named to the All-Rookie team as a kick returner, and served that role for three seasons while playing over 40% of snaps on defense. He was suspended by the league for violating the gambling policy and was immediately released. He later signed with the Eagles, and when the suspension gets lifted, he’ll have a chance to make the team.
Football Nerds 