When you think of Indianapolis Colts defenders, guys like DeForest Buckner, Zaire Franklin, and Kenny Moore II come to mind. But don’t forget about talented youngster Dayo Odeyingbo.
The 24-year-old defensive end is coming off the best season of his career. In 2023, he had 38 tackles (nine for loss), eight sacks, and 17 quarterback hits, which were all career-highs.
Last season was a fantastic one for Odeyingbo, and 2024 could be even better. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and is looking for a huge payday in 2025. Plus, he’ll have a bigger role this season with Samson Ebukam out for the year.
This Indianapolis Colts Defender is Primed for a Big-Time Season
Dayo Odeyingbo’s Career Thus Far
Dayo Odeyingbo attended Irving, Texas’ Ranchview High School, where he produced 108 tackles and 12 sacks. He then played college football at Vanderbilt, turning down offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Colorado, Purdue, and Baylor.
Odeyingbo spent four seasons with the Vanderbilt Commodores. He recorded 125 tackles (31 for loss), and 12 sacks during his collegiate career. He finished with 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a senior. For his efforts, he earned a spot on the All-SEC Second Team.
In late January 2021, Odeyingbo tore his Achilles tendon while training for the Senior Bowl. Although many experts pegged him as a fourth-rounder, the Colts still selected him in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Odeyingbo was the second defensive end drafted by the Colts that year. The team had taken former Michigan star Kwity Paye in the first round (21st overall pick).
Odeyingbo has played 44 games (five starts) for the Colts, recording 75 combined tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 29 quarterback hits. He has improved each season since joining the league.
Will Odeyingbo Have a Monster 2024 Campaign?
A few weeks ago, the Colts’ defensive line was considered one of the best in the league. But that was before defensive end Samson Ebukam suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Losing Ebukam is a huge deal. He led the team in sacks last season with a career-high 9.5. However, the Colts’ defense line can still be great without him. They still have the dynamic defensive tackle duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Plus, newcomer Raekwon Davis should be solid, backing up those two. At defensive end, Kwity Paye, who had a career-high 8.5 sacks last season, is still around. Laiatu Latu needs to make an impact as a rookie.
Dayo Odeyingbo will have to step up as well. He could certainly have a big-time season, especially with Ebukam out of the picture. Odeyingbo will become a free agent following the season, meaning this is his contract year. He’ll be extra motivated to land a large contract in 2025. Another productive year for Odeyingbo could put him out of the Colts’ price range. The team drafted Latu in the first round of this year’s draft. In addition, they picked up Paye’s fifth-year option for 2025, which is a guaranteed $13.38 million. Look for Odeyingbo to have a monster 2024 campaign and cash in as a free agent next spring.
Main Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
