These Indianapolis Colts players suffered big setbacks but could return with solid contributions in 2024.
Injuries rattled a young Indianapolis Colts squad before and during the 2023 campaign.
Some notable names are quarterback Anthony Richardson (AC joint sprain), tight end Jelani Woods (hamstring), and cornerback Dallis Flowers (torn Achilles).
But others were also affected, even missing any chance to see the field like the aforementioned Woods.
This piece details three players who, if healthy, could contribute in more than a few ways toward Indy’s goal to make the postseason in 2024.
Daniel Scott
Former California safety Daniel Scott was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Indy.
What was vibrant about Scott was the 661 special teams snaps he accumulated in college.
While he was on the older side for a rookie (24), he brought five years of collegiate experience. Sadly, an ACL tear kept Scott from ever seeing the field in 2023. Fast-forward to 2024 and Scott has a golden opportunity to bounce back and display his talents.
In his five years playing in the Pac-12 conference, Scott tallied 207 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 3 fumbles forced.
Scott will likely contribute immediately to special teams, but he could also be a key depth piece in the secondary, more than likely as a free safety. While it’s unlikely he’ll start or see massive snap counts immediately, he still has the skills to be featured in specific defensive sets if defensive coordinator Gus Bradley sees him as a fit. He’ll also add competition to a safety corps that needs it.
Nick Cross played well but hasn’t seen enough experience to make Indy comfortable starting him at free safety. Opposite Cross’ performance, Rodney Thomas II fell off a cliff as a starter and didn’t show out as a legitimate option at free safety for the future. It’s still up in the air if strong safety Julian Blackmon gets retained, but it would help a young secondary who needs his services.
Scott’s role is undetermined as a Colts player currently, but if he can get past his ACL injury and compete in the off-season, he may find himself contributing more as a defender than just a special teams ace.
Evan Hull | Running Back
Along with Scott, Northwestern running back Evan Hull was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
The allure of Hull was his fantastic elusiveness and receiving abilities out of the backfield.
During the 2021 and 2022 seasons in college, Hull threw together 417 carries for 1,922 yards (4.6 avg) and 12 touchdowns. Equally impressive was his pass-catching prowess, as he’d snag 88 passes (55 in 2022) for 810 yards and an additional 4 scores.
Hull was arguably the best pass-catching running back in the 2023 draft class. He also did all of this on a bad Northwestern team where he was essentially the offense.
Hull logged just 1 carry (1 yard) and a catch (6 yards) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. What followed was a torn meniscus early in the contest, which ended his potentially promising rookie campaign.
Shane Steichen’s offense will utilize Hull’s talents with a quarterback like Richardson, especially with check-down throws. His receiving abilities will complement Jonathan Taylor well and could elevate Hull to a legitimate playmaker.
Hull’s ceiling is higher than some think or remember, and he’ll push hard to get through the offseason and show it on the field in the 2024 season.
Ashton Dulin | Wide Receiver
Up to this point in his career, Dulin’s primarily been used as a downfield threat. So far, he’s caught 33 passes for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns.
However, Dulin’s size and athleticism can help him serve Indy’s offensive attack when called upon. While he hasn’t put up star-studded receiving stats, Dulin does have solid special teams numbers.
He’s stacked 36 tackles (28 solo) and is a force for Indy as a gunner when running down returners.
Dulin’s role as a special teamer won’t change as long as he’s healthy, but his position is receiver, and he likely wants to contribute more in that regard.
Hiring an offensive mind like Steichen with a passer like Richardson made Dulin’s 2023 intriguing. Both factored together could’ve helped Dulin post career-best numbers as a wide receiver.
Alas, he fell to a torn ACL in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears before the season started. The injury ended his 2023 campaign with no games played.
Dulin gets overlooked when discussing the receiving depth and hasn’t been a consistent contributor on offense. He’s also had several quarterbacks under center and, like many others on the Colts, needs consistency at coach and passer.
2024 is a big year for Dulin to show he can be a weapon in Steichen’s offense.
He has the speed, frame, and strength to win big with vertical throws. He’ll look to stay healthy and continue as a leader on special teams with potentially more snaps as a pass-catcher.
