Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 season has been defined not just by veteran leadership, but by a promising rookie class that stepped up to fill gaps, contribute to wins, and offer a glimpse of the team’s future. From early-round draft picks to undrafted free agents, these rookies navigated the steep learning curve of the NFL, bringing energy, talent, and adaptability to a team in transition under head coach Jim Caldwell. Their performances—both breakthroughs and growing pains—have become a focal point for analysts and fans, as the Colts evaluate how this young core can anchor the franchise in the years ahead. Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts breaks down key rookies, their impact, and the lessons from their first NFL season.

Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts first focuses on third-round wide receiver Josh Downs, the class’s most consistent standout. Selected with the 79th overall pick, Downs stepped into a starting role midseason after Michael Pittman Jr.’s concussion, finishing the year with 62 catches for 743 yards and 4 touchdowns. His defining performance came in Week 13, when he hauled in 10 catches for 125 yards and a score to earn NFL Rookie of the Week—becoming the first Colts rookie WR to hit those numbers since Reggie Wayne in 2001. Downs’ quickness off the line, precise route-running, and ability to win in the slot made him a reliable target for both Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew. “Josh exceeded every expectation we had,” said wide receivers coach Ben McDaniels. “He’s a student of the game—he stays late to study film, asks smart questions, and adapts quickly to game plans. His rookie year is a blueprint for how young receivers can contribute early.”

Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts next examines the growth of fourth-round running back Evan Hull, who provided critical depth after Jonathan Taylor’s ankle injury. Hull, a versatile back out of Northwestern, appeared in 13 games, rushing for 387 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns, while adding 21 catches for 189 yards. His best game came in Week 14, when he filled in for an injured Zack Moss, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown, and catching 3 passes for 28 yards to help the Colts beat the Browns. While Hull struggled with ball security early (2 fumbles in his first 5 games), he tightened up later in the season, going his final 8 games without a turnover. “Evan’s rookie year was a mix of highs and learning moments,” said running backs coach DeAndre Smith. “He showed he can handle both rushing and receiving duties, but he also learned the importance of protecting the football. By the end of the season, he was a trusted part of our backfield rotation.”

Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts also shines a light on fifth-round defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, who emerged as a rotational force on the defensive line. Adebawore, known for his athleticism and pass-rushing ability, played in 14 games, recording 23 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 quarterback hits. His first NFL sack came in Week 10 against the Titans, when he beat the right guard to drop Will Levis for a 6-yard loss. While Adebawore struggled with run defense early (often getting pushed back by larger interior linemen), he improved with reps, finishing the season with 8 run stops in his final 5 games. For the Indianapolis Colts, Adebawore’s rookie year is a sign of depth building on the defensive line, a unit that has been a priority in recent drafts. “Tomiwa has all the tools—speed, strength, and a nonstop motor,” said defensive line coach Matt Raich. “His rookie year was about translating college success to the NFL, and by the end, he was making plays that mattered. He’s going to be a key part of our defense moving forward.”

Another layer of Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts is the development of undrafted free agent cornerback Jaylon Jones, who exceeded expectations by earning significant playing time. Jones, out of Texas A&M, started 4 games when injuries hit the secondary, recording 28 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 pass breakups. His interception came in Week 12 against the Texans, when he picked off C.J. Stroud in the end zone to stop a potential scoring drive. While Jones struggled with penalties early (4 pass interference calls in his first 3 starts), he cleaned up his technique, going his final 6 games with just 1 penalty. For the Indianapolis Colts, Jones’ rookie year is a reminder of the value in undrafted talent—players who often bring a chip on their shoulder and work harder to prove themselves. “Jaylon didn’t let going undrafted define him—he used it as motivation,” said cornerbacks coach Ron Milus. “He showed up every day ready to work, and when his number was called, he delivered. His rookie year is a great story of perseverance.”

Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts also addresses the challenges faced by second-round offensive tackle Blake Freeland, who was thrust into a starting role earlier than expected. Freeland, selected with the 36th overall pick to replace the injured Bernhard Raimann, started 8 games at left tackle, allowing 4 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. While he held his own against some of the league’s top edge rushers (allowing just 1 pressure against the Chiefs’ Chris Jones), he struggled with consistency, particularly in pass protection against speed rushers. Still, Freeland’s work ethic stood out—he stayed after practice to work on footwork with offensive line coach Chris Strausser, and he studied film with veteran Quenton Nelson to improve his run-blocking. For the Indianapolis Colts, Freeland’s rookie year was a learning experience, not a setback. “Blake was thrown into the fire, and that’s never easy for a rookie tackle,” Strausser said. “He made mistakes, but he learned from them. By the end of the season, you could see the growth—his footwork was sharper, and he communicated better with the line. His future is bright.”

The final dimension of Rookie Year Analysis Highlighted for the Indianapolis Colts is how this rookie class fits into the team’s long-term vision. General manager Chris Ballard has built the Colts around drafting and developing young talent, and the 2024 class—with Downs, Hull, Adebawore, Jones, and Freeland—has reinforced that strategy. These rookies not only contributed in their first year but also gained valuable experience that will help them grow into key contributors. For the Indianapolis Colts, the 2024 rookie class is more than a group of first-year players—it’s a foundation for competing in the AFC South for years to come. “Our goal is to draft players who can grow with this team, and this class did exactly that,” Ballard said. “They faced adversity, learned from it, and got better. Their rookie years are just the start—we’re excited to see what they can do as they gain more experience.” As the Colts look ahead to 2025, the 2024 rookie class will be a big part of their plans, a testament to the success of their draft and development process.