Who are a few Indianapolis Colts breakout candidates for 2024? Jelani Woods should certainly be in the conversation. During his rookie year in 2022, the talented tight end looked like a future star at times.
Woods was expected to step up last season, but he missed the entire year due to injury. It wouldn’t be shocking if he stayed healthy in 2024 and became an offensive weapon for Anthony Richardson. Who are the three other breakout candidates for the Colts?
3 Indianapolis Colts Players Who Could Have Breakout Seasons in 2024
Alec Pierce
The Colts selected Alec Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The wide receiver out of Cincinnati hasn’t quite developed into a superstar just yet. In his two seasons, he has only caught 73 passes for 1,107 yards and four touchdowns. No, those certainly aren’t superstar stats by any stretch.
However, Pierce may be in store for a much-improved 2024 campaign. He has bulked up this offseason, which could help improve his receiving production.
Anthony Richardson, who played only four games as a rookie, is healthy and ready to go. The Colts franchise quarterback has a cannon for an arm. That’s good news for Pierce, who is known as a deep-threat receiver. Playing with Richardson for an entire season could mean Pierce gets a bunch of opportunities to show he’s not the disappointment that some fans believe he is.
Evan Hull
Who in the world is Evan Hull? You might not know anything about him if you aren’t a huge Colts fan. The former Northwestern Wildcat was drafted by Indianapolis in the fifth round of the 2023 draft.
Hull played just one regular season game as a rookie last year. During that game, which was Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he suffered a season-ending meniscus injury.
Fortunately, Hull will return to the field in 2024. Jonathan Taylor is the Colts’ starting running back. With Zack Moss now with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hull will compete with Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson to become Taylor’s primary backup.
Look for Hull to emerge and have a breakout year. He has what it takes to replace Moss. He can effectively run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield as well.
JuJu Brents
Julis “JuJu” Brents was born and raised in Indianapolis. He starred at Warren Central High School, located on the city’s east side.
Brents grew up as a Colts fan, rooting for legends Peyton Manning and Bob Sanders. With that said, it had to be a dream come true when the Colts drafted him in the second round of the 2023 draft.
However, Brents’s rookie year was riddled with injuries. The former Kansas State cornerback missed eight games last season. He recorded 43 tackles, one interception, six passes defended, and a forced fumble in nine contests (eight starts).
When healthy, Brents looked impressive as a rookie last year. He’s expected to start at one of the Colts’ outside cornerback spots this season. If he can stay injury-free, he could have a monster year, possibly becoming the team’s best defensive back.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
