Pro Football Focus recently selected one reason for optimism for each team with NFL minicamps here. So what was the selection for the Indianapolis Colts?

As we know, the Colts have their unknowns at quarterback but there is still a lot to like about this roster. The secondary has been reshaped, the addition of Lou Anarumo as the defensive coordinator should help elevate the play of that entire unit, and there is a lot of talent along the defensive front.

But rather than focusing on the defense, Dalton Wasserman’s reason for optimism with the Colts is centered around the offensive side of the ball, specifically the “loaded arsenal of offensive weapons,” as he put it.

“Star running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off a 1,400-yard season. Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce are all capable options at wide receiver,” wrote Wasserman. “The team also may have found the solution to its tight end problem in first-round pick Tyler Warren, who led the Power Four last year in a plethora of receiving categories.”

As mentioned, Taylor eclipsed 1,400 yards last season, totaling the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL. At receiver, the Colts were the only team in 2024 to have three wideouts surpass 800 receiving yards.

Then they addressed perhaps their biggest roster hole by adding Tyler Warren and his do-it-all presence to the tight end position.

Individually, there is a lot to like about each one of these players, but what can really elevate the offense as a whole is how this skill position unit for the Colts works together.

With a variety of skill sets for Shane Steichen to work with, that can really open up the playbook for him. He can truly customize game plans and feature different players based on the opponent and the best way to attack the opposing defense each week.

From the defensive perspective, when having to account for a number of players, it puts a lot on their plate and can keep that unit off balance and guessing. Trying to gauge what’s coming based on who is on the field or where players are lined up becomes a difficult task.

Now, of course, the elephant in the room here is the quarterback position for the Colts. However, with this group of skill position players around whoever is under center, they can hopefully help elevate the play of the quarterback, and with even somewhat steady play from under center, the recipe is there for the Colts to be able to move the ball.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ skill position players are ‘reason for optimism’ in 2025