The Indianapolis Colts had a stellar 2024 NFL Draft in which they met many needs within the team. As this franchise continues to build back to being an AFC contender, some players could be on the hot seat for the Colts going into 2024. This is not to say that these players are washed up, but rather the competition being brought in could pose an issue for them.
Two Players on the Hot Seat for the Colts Entering 2024
Kwity Paye
On May 2nd, the Colts exercised Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option. What this means is that Paye will be under contract with the Colts through 2025. Paye was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He started in 15 games but only accumulated four sacks, one forced fumble, and 16 solo tackles. His second year in the league was more productive as he progressed in every primary category. In 2022, he finished with six sacks, 32 solo tackles, and 10 tackles for loss. In 2023, he had the best season of his career in terms of production. His numbers went up in almost every major category. However, his production was overshadowed by Dayo Odeyingbo and Samson Ebukam. Both of these rushers had similarly productive numbers to Paye in terms of sacks, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and quarterback hits.
On top of having fellow playmakers be as productive and sometimes better, the Colts drafted Paye’s potential replacement. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected pass rusher Laiatu Latu who was considered the best defensive player in the draft. Latu was an extremely productive pass rusher in college with 23.5 sacks through 25 games. He also capped off his senior year by winning the 2023 Lombardi Award and the 2023 Ted Hendricks Award. Latu still has to prove himself on the field at the NFL stage. However, if he can be what the Colts expect him to be, it could be an issue for Kwity Paye.
Paye needs to live up to his first-round expectations and be the best pass rusher on the team. Therefore, he is on the hot seat to perform for the Colts in 2024.
Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce is entering his third year in the league. Although his rookie season was full of potential, his second year was a disappointment. His numbers declined in receptions, targets, yards per game, and catch percentage. When Pierce was drafted in the second round in 2022, the hope was that he would be a compliment to Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately, Pierce has yet to live up to that hope.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round. He is an explosive outside receiver from the University of Texas. In 2023, Mitchell finished top 10 in the Big 12 in touchdowns (11), receiving yards (845), and receptions (55). He also ran a 4.34 second 40-dash and according to Next Gen Stats, is ranked third among fellow 2024 combine receivers in terms of athleticism. By all accounts, many believe that the Colts got a steal when they drafted Mitchell in the middle of the second round. The issue for Alec Pierce will be if he can keep up with Mitchell’s athleticism and explosive abilities. The second wide receiver spot will be Pierce’s to lose in 2024. Therefore, he is on the hot seat to perform at a high level for the Colts.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
