Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon flashed immense potential during his rookie campaign while working alongside Khari Willis in the defensive backfield during the 2020 season.
Though he slowed down a bit during the second half of that season, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon listed Blackmon as the X-factor for the Colts in 2021.
“An argument can be made that whoever is responsible for Carson Wentz’s blind side in place of the retired Anthony Castonzo during Wentz’s critical debut season with the Indianapolis Colts will be the team’s X-factor in 2021.
The problem is it’s still too early to know if veteran addition Eric Fisher will be healthy enough to play that role from the get-go, which could leave them leaning more heavily on the rest of an accomplished line while unreliable vet Sam Tevi likely steps in.
The line is strong in general, though, which is another reason why we’ll instead look at a sophomore third-round defensive back who flashed often as a rookie and could easily become a star in Year 2.
Julian Blackmon had two interceptions, six passes defended, 42 tackles (three for a loss) and a forced fumble as a rookie safety, but those numbers don’t fully tell the story of his impact. He was seemingly always in on big plays, and the Colts felt good enough about him this offseason that they basically ignored the safety position in free agency and the draft.
Indy’s defense is strong, but most of the star power is in the front seven. If Blackmon can change that next season, that D could get to the next level. But if he suffers a sophomore slump, they could be in a lot of trouble.”
The secondary for the Colts is mostly set outside of the competition for the No. 3 cornerback spot. Blackmon will reprise his role as the free safety next to the aforementioned Willis.
The Colts defense will always rely on getting pressure on the opposing quarterback as long as Matt Eberflus is the defensive coordinator. But Blackmon can help some of that if he continues to progress his game.
It will be a big Year 2 for the Utah product, who hopes to put together a full campaign of consistent play.
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