Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts

The 2024 NFL season has been a defining one for the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie class, a group that arrived with high expectations and quickly became integral to the team’s playoff push. From first-round quarterback Anthony Richardson to late-round gems like defensive end Adetomiwa Adebawore, these rookies faced the steep learning curve of the NFL head-on—some thriving in starting roles, others contributing off the bench, and all gaining valuable experience that will shape the Colts’ future. What makes this rookie class stand out is its versatility: rookies made an impact on offense, defense, and special teams, filling gaps left by injuries and adding depth to a roster in transition. Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts breaks down the standout performances, challenges faced, and long-term implications of this promising group’s debut season.

Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts begins with the season’s most talked-about rookie: first-round pick (4th overall) Anthony Richardson, whose promising start was derailed by injury but still offered a glimpse of his potential. Richardson, a physically gifted quarterback (6-foot-4, 244 pounds, 4.43 40-yard dash), started the first four games of the season, showing flashes of brilliance—including a 75-yard rushing touchdown in Week 2 against the Houston Texans—and growing pains, like a 56% completion rate. His season took a turn in Week 4, however, when he suffered a shoulder injury that required arthroscopic surgery, sidelining him for 10 weeks. While the injury cut his rookie campaign short, Richardson’s early performance provided valuable insights: his ability to extend plays with his legs and make deep throws aligned with head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive vision, and his work ethic during rehab (he returned to limited practice in Week 15) impressed coaches and teammates alike. “Anthony has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback,” said Steichen. “The injury was a setback, but it also gave him time to study film and learn the game from the sidelines—something that will help him long-term.” For Colts fans, Richardson’s brief debut was a preview of what’s to come, even if his full impact will have to wait until 2025.

A key standout among the Colts’ rookies is defensive end Adetomiwa Adebawore, a third-round pick (78th overall) who emerged as a critical piece of the pass rush after injuries and suspensions depleted the defensive line. Adebawore, a versatile lineman from Northwestern, began the season in a rotational role but stepped into a starting spot in Week 10 after veteran Grover Stewart’s suspension and Jonathan Greenard’s season-ending injury. He seized the opportunity, recording 7 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback pressures in 14 games—setting a franchise record for sacks by a rookie defensive lineman. What made Adebawore’s performance even more impressive was his adaptability: he lined up as a traditional defensive end, a stand-up edge rusher, and even an interior tackle in passing situations, keeping offensive lines off balance. “Tomi has a rare combination of speed and power,” said defensive line coach Matt Raich. “He’s not just a pass rusher—he’s a complete player who can stop the run and disrupt plays in the backfield. For a third-round pick, his impact has been nothing short of exceptional.” Adebawore’s breakout season not only filled an immediate need for the Colts but also solidified a long-term spot in the defensive line rotation.

A critical aspect of Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts is the contributions of rookie offensive lineman Blake Freeland, a fourth-round pick (122nd overall) who stepped in for injured Pro Bowl right tackle Braden Smith and proved to be a reliable starter—and what it means for the current Indianapolis Colts team. Freeland, a 6-foot-8 tackle from BYU, had never played an NFL snap before Week 8, when Smith’s triceps injury forced him into the starting lineup. Initially, he struggled with the speed of NFL edge rushers, allowing three pressures in his first start, but he quickly adjusted, thanks to extra film sessions with offensive line coach Chris Strausser and mentorship from veteran left tackle Bernhard Raimann. By Week 11, Freeland didn’t allow a single pressure in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he finished the season with a 72.3 Pro Football Focus grade—above average for a rookie offensive tackle. “Blake’s growth this season has been remarkable,” said Strausser. “He went from a project to a reliable starter in a matter of weeks, and that’s a testament to his work ethic and ability to learn on the fly.” For the Indianapolis Colts, Freeland’s emergence is a huge win: it not only helped stabilize the offensive line during a critical stretch but also provided depth for next season, when Smith returns. It also validates the Colts’ scouting process, which identified Freeland’s potential despite his late-round selection.

Another important rookie contributor is cornerback Jaylon Jones, an undrafted free agent who exceeded all expectations by becoming a key part of the Colts’ secondary amid injuries—and how it supports the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive resurgence. Jones, a former University of Texas standout, joined the Colts’ practice squad after going undrafted but was promoted to the active roster in Week 9 when injuries sidelined Kenny Moore II and JuJu Brents. In his first career start (Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints), Jones held Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Olave to just 32 yards on 5 targets, recording two pass deflections. He went on to start five more games, finishing the season with 35 tackles, 4 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. What made Jones’ performance so valuable was his consistency: he didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage all season, and opposing quarterbacks had just a 68.2 passer rating when targeting him. “Jaylon is a prime example of why we never sleep on undrafted free agents,” said secondary coach Ron Milus. “He has the physical tools, but more importantly, he has the mindset to compete at this level. He never backed down from a challenge, even when facing top receivers.” For the Indianapolis Colts, Jones’ success is a reminder that talent can be found beyond the draft, and it provides the secondary with much-needed depth heading into next season.

Wrapping up Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts is the broader impact of this rookie class on the team’s present and future. Unlike some rookie groups that take years to contribute, the Colts’ 2024 rookies made an immediate difference—helping the team stay in the playoff hunt despite injuries to key veterans. Their success also aligns with the Colts’ long-term strategy: building through the draft, developing young talent, and creating competition within the roster. Steichen has emphasized that the rookies’ growth isn’t just about stats—it’s about their ability to adapt to the NFL’s demands and contribute to the team’s culture. “This rookie class has brought energy, work ethic, and a willingness to learn,” Steichen said. “They’ve pushed veterans to get better, and they’ve shown that they’re ready to be part of our future.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this rookie class is more than a group of first-year players—it’s the foundation of a team that hopes to compete for championships in the years to come. As Richardson returns from injury, Adebawore builds on his breakout season, and Freeland and Jones continue to develop, the Colts have reason to be optimistic. Analysis of Year for Rookies on the Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a review of a single season—it’s a preview of what could be a golden era for the franchise.