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Colts: 3 sleeper prospects to target in 2024 NFL Draft
Image credit: ClutchPoints

As the 2024 NFL offseason continues and teams start to recalibrate their rosters for the upcoming campaign, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves at a critical juncture. The path to regaining their competitive edge lies in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is where diamonds in the rough await those willing to look beyond the obvious choices. With a keen eye on the future, the Colts have a unique opportunity to bolster their lineup with talent that could transform their fortunes. Keep in mind that identifying sleeper prospects is an art form. It requires a deep understanding of a team’s needs, the players’ potential, and how the two can mesh together to create a winning formula. For the Colts, this draft is not just about picking players; it’s about crafting a vision for the future.

Indianapolis Colts’ 2023 Season Recap

The 2023 campaign was notable as Chris Ballard’s seventh year as general manager and introduced Shane Steichen as the head coach for the first time. Against the backdrop of modest expectations, the Colts managed to surpass their previous season’s 4–12–1 record early. They secured a pivotal Week 10 win against the New England Patriots in Frankfurt. This victory was a turning point. It ultimately led them to more than double their wins from the last season, closing out with a 9–8 tally. Despite these improvements, the Colts once again fell short of clinching the AFC South title for the ninth straight year. Their playoff hopes were dashed in the final week for the second time in three years following a decisive defeat to the Houston Texans, eliminating them from postseason contention. Of course, it didn’t help that they lost rookie QB Anthony Richardson early in the season to injury.

Offseason Context

Entering free agency with significant cap room, the Colts have maintained a relatively quiet presence in the market. They are focused predominantly on keeping their current roster intact.

They’ve secured key players for the future by offering extensions or new deals to Michael Pittman Jr., Zaire Franklin, Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore II, and Tyquan Lewis. The acquisition of Raekwon Davis and Joe Flacco marks the team’s only notable signings from outside the organization.

Under Ballard’s guidance, the team is taking a cautious strategy in assembling the squad around Richardson. By prioritizing their own players, the Colts have managed to preserve their financial flexibility. They have positioned themselves to capitalize on opportunities that may arise as the offseason progresses.

Here we will look at the three sleeper rookie prospects that the Indianapolis Colts have to target in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Mike Sainristil, CB, from Michigan

Mike Sainristil distinguishes himself not just with his physical abilities but with qualities that can’t be quantified as easily. His on-field leadership and maturity complement his solid playing skills. These make him more than just a conventional player. Sure, he might not dazzle with eye-catching attributes. Still, his steadiness and understanding of the game hint at a promising future as a dependable cornerback.

During his time in college, Sainristil proved himself to be a versatile athlete. He effectively played both as a receiver and a defensive back. His capability to perform in various roles underscores his potential value to the Colts. His commitment and football acumen imply that he could transition smoothly to the professional level. He can potentially offer Indianapolis a versatile talent who could significantly influence the game.

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Despite Kenny Moore II’s re-signing, his optimal performance comes from playing in the slot. This underscores the Colts’ need for a starting-quality cornerback to complement JuJu Brents on the perimeter.

Enter Nate Wiggins. He has shared the field with Brents and brings similar physical attributes that the Colts have valued. Standing at 6’1 and weighing 173 pounds, Wiggins showcased exceptional athleticism and speed during his college career. This was highlighted by his remarkable 40-yard dash time. His innate physical traits are precisely what the Colts look for in a player. he could certainly address a key area of need for the team.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

With Jonathan Taylor’s future potentially uncertain due to contract options and Zack Moss’s departure, the Colts find themselves in need of reliable running back support. Despite Taylor’s initial standout performances, recent seasons have seen him hindered by injuries and ongoing contract discussions.

Looking ahead, Indianapolis needs a dependable running back. This is a role for which Blake Corum could be perfectly suited. Yes, this year’s running back draft class may not be the strongest. That said, Corum’s intelligent running style could fit well within the Colts’ diverse running strategy.

Looking Ahead

For the Indianapolis Colts, the 2024 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity to address key needs while infusing the roster with fresh talent. In Mike Sainristil, Nate Wiggins, and Blake Corum, the team has the chance to select players who could exceed expectations. All three can become integral components of the Colts’ success. These sleeper prospects embody the potential to not only fill current gaps but to elevate the team’s overall performance. By focusing on these hidden gems, the Colts can lay the foundation for a resurgence that could see them return to the forefront of NFL contention. The future is bright. With the right picks in the draft, the future could shine even brighter for the Colts.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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