The Indianapolis Colts have had a stellar offseason, to say the least. Not only have they built an amazing roster, but they're still substantially under the cap. Playing in a top-heavy AFC South, it'll come down between the Colts and the Tennessee Titans to win the division.
The Colts are in a good position to clinch the division. The defense stacks up as a top-five unit on paper, while the offense consists of one of the best offensive lines in the league and an exciting young running back looking to take over the NFL.
Colts Predictions: 3 Breakout Players For 2021
For Indianapolis to retake the AFC South, they'll need a handful of players to step up, specifically on the offense. Carson Wentz doesn't have to be perfect by any means, but he'll need the guys around him to elevate their games.
Here are three potential breakout players for the Colts 2021 NFL season:
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor is in line to have a monster year. During his rookie campaign, Taylor went off for 1,169 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns. He gained most of his production in the back half of the year and looks to take over the league in the second year of his career.
With one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Taylor should be able to improve. Quenton Nelson is a superstar left guard that opens up running lanes frequently. The addition of Eric Fisher at left tackle should help with the run game as well, as Indy found their replacement for Anthony Castonzo. Look for the Colts' offense to run through Taylor until Wentz gets the passing game under control.
Michael Pittman Jr.
The front office elected to not acquire any top talented wide receives in free agency or the NFL Draft. With T.Y. Hilton not getting any younger, it might be time for a new receiver to emerge as Indy's go-to target. Michael Pittman Jr. is in a position to have a vastly improved second year after having an underwhelming debut to the NFL.
He's in line to be the Colts' top receiver this year, but he'll have to prove that throughout the season. After going for 503 yards in 2020, Pittman will have a chance to break 1,000 yards, which would easily make him a breakout receiver in his sophomore season.
Parris Campbell
Currently listed as the WR3 on the depth chart, per ESPN, Parris Campbell could be a legitimate receiving threat this year. He's had trouble staying on the field throughout his career so far, playing just nine games in a two-year time span. Staying healthy is his main concern right now as he has the potential to be a solid slot receiver in the Colts' offense.
Wentz struggled throwing it deep last year and hit most of his passes to the slot receiver during his final year playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. That puts Campbell in position to play in Wentz's wheelhouse, which could bode well for a possible breakout year for him. Look for Campbell to get it going early, as he has the potential to be Wentz's favorite target in 2021.
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