Tag: Zaire Franklin

10 Colts with first-time Pro Bowl potential in 2023

Which Colts can capture a Pro Bowl nod for the first time in their careers?

Just two seasons ago, the Indianapolis Colts had the most Pro Bowl selections (seven) in the NFL before their dumpster fire of a 2022 campaign resulted in Quenton Nelson being the lone representative for the franchise at the most recent all-star game.

This should be no surprise as bad teams typically don’t see their players earning honors by the end of the season since they aren’t getting attention from the national media and audience.

With that being said, there are a number of players on this year’s roster that will be looking to make grab the first Pro Bowl nod of their career. Let’s take a look at 10 Colts who have the potential to play in their first all-star game at the end of 2023:

Zaire Franklin talks first impressions of Anthony Richardson, Shane Steichen

Colts LB Zaire Franklin joined ‘GMFB’ to give his first impressions of Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen.

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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin went on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” to discuss his first impressions of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and new head coach Shane Steichen on Friday morning.

Coming off a career season in which he broke the single-season franchise record for tackles, Franklin has enjoyed the fresh start that comes with having an exciting rookie quarterback and new head coach.

“It’s been great. Obviously, you know, the (2022) season we had, a lot of uncertainty in the offseason, it feels good to kind of have a sense of direction,” Franklin told the GMFB crew. “Young AR in the building, I would just say he’s a great energy, great humble young kid. Thirsty to get better, thirsty to learn. You can just kind of see him getting in early, working on things, trying to do the best he can.”

Franklin noted that they haven’t gotten to go against each other yet, but those first opportunities will come when OTAs officially begin May 23. There won’t be any pads or live contact, but it’s the first time the team can hold 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills between the offense and defensive units.

As for the first-year head coach in Steichen, Franklin

“It’s been, like I said, a nice breath of fresh air. Coach Steichen, he just brings that energy, he brings that drive. You know he’s coming from that successful situation,” Franklin said. “He’s kind of hungry to prove himself, and obviously, I think he’s looking forward to the challenge of turning this thing around and getting it rolling this year. ”

Franklin touched on how much he’s enjoyed watching Steichen break down film from an offensive perspective while learning how they like to attack the defensive side of the ball.

“Even watching him break down film in the team room, just hearing from an offensive mind and his attacking personality and how he just likes to get after it and really pick apart defenses. We know just from competing against him last year when we played against the Eagles, just how talented of a play-caller he is and how talented of a game-planning coach he is.”

There’s plenty of excitement and optimism from the Colts’ building, and there certainly does feel like a breath of fresh air has been infused into the organization after a rough 2022 season.

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How re-signing LB E.J. Speed impacts Colts depth chart

E.J. Speed rounds out the linebacker trio next to Shaquille Leonard and Zaire Franklin.

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The Indianapolis Colts’ first move of the legal tampering period before free agency was electing to re-sign linebacker E.J. Speed to the roster.

After seeing starter Bobby Okereke sign with the New York Giants, a starting spot in the base defense was open for the taking, which Speed will slide right into.

Re-signing Speed also gives the Colts’ defense an insurance policy just in case there are any hiccups in Shaquille Leonard’s recovery from his nerve/back surgery. Because Leonard missed the majority of the 2022 season, Speed has been prepped for the role that he spent doing alongside Okereke and Zaire Franklin.

Speed played on 314 defensive snaps this past season so I would expect for that to remain around the same level, but he could see a slight drop if Leonard is ready to take on his normal workload starting opening day. Perhaps the biggest value of retaining Speed is what he brings to the special teams.

He played in 85% of the special teams’ snaps for Indianapolis in 2022. Speed’s time on fourth downs could decrease with him taking on more of a prominent role on the team with Okereke’s departure so that does create more opportunity for the rest of the linebacker room.

The Colts traded for a special teams ace in Grant Stuard before last season and they also have JoJo Domann, who showed some promise as an undrafted rookie during the 2022 preseason.

A couple of other names to watch throughout the offseason programs that will be competing for a backup job and a role on special teams are Forrest Rhyne and Cameron McGrone.

As of now, the linebacker depth chart looks like this:

WILL: Shaquille Leonard

MIKE: Zaire Franklin

SAM: E.J. Speed

Backups: JoJo Domann, Grant Stuard, Forrest Rhyne, Cameron McGrone

Depending on how Chris Ballard feels about the group behind Leonard, Franklin, and Speed could influence if he uses a draft pick on the position group but the re-signing of Speed does likely eliminate the chances of another backer joining the roster over the next couple of weeks.

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6 things to know about Colts’ new special teams coordinator Brian Mason

Here are six things to know about Colts new special teams coordinator Brian Mason.

Shane Steichen’s staff is nearing completion, and a critical role, special teams coordinator, has been filled. The Indianapolis Colts have selected Brian Mason from the University of Notre Dame to succeed Bubba Ventrone.

Mason was Notre Dame’s special teams coordinator last season and brought a wealth of knowledge. He is the sixth hire for Steichen and comes on the heels of several pivotal decisions for the Colts as the team evaluates the franchise’s future.

Let’s take a look at six things to know about Brian Mason:

What went right, what went wrong for the Colts in 2022

Taking a look at what went right and what went wrong for the 2022 Colts.

As the offseason continues to unfold, more reflection about the Indianapolis Colts’ previous season naturally rises to the surface before we begin to look ahead into 2023.

Here’s what went right and what went wrong for the Colts in 2022:

Colts’ year-end awards from 2022 season

Handing out awards for the Colts after the conclusion of the 2022 season.

The 2022 season couldn’t get much worse for the Indianapolis Colts, who earned their way into the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

While the majority of the campaign was a massive disappointment, there were some bright spots. It was overwhelmed by a struggling offense and a circus regarding the coaching situation, but there were some moments of optimism.

It’s going to be a busy offseason for an organization looking to get back on track. It starts with finding a new head coach—a process that started almost immediately after the Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans.

You can follow along for the latest updates with the head coach search via our tracker.

The Colts Wire staff pulled together to bring you the 2022 year-end awards for the Colts:

5 Colts who could have bigger roles in 2023

Here are five Colts players who could have bigger roles in 2023.

Despite a tumultuous season, several Indianapolis Colts players took advantage of their time in 2022 and should have a significant impact moving forward.

Here are the five Colts who could have bigger roles in 2023:

Colts’ MVP for the 2022 season: LB Zaire Franklin

It was a stellar season for Colts LB Zaire Franklin.

After a lot of hype surrounding this team during training camp, the Indianapolis Colts finished the 2022 season with a 4-12-1 record and third in the AFC South.

Math Ryan’s arrival had many analysts and fans predicting Indianapolis would put themselves in a position to contend, but this team came nowhere near those expectations.

One player who had a record-setting year and will be a key piece for the Colts to build off of was linebacker Zaire Franklin.

He finished the season with 164 tackles, a franchise record. He broke Shaquille Leonard’s previous mark of 163 that he set in his rookie year back in 2018. Franklin also contributed two sacks, five quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. It was an impressive year for the heart and soul of this Colts defense.

Franklin was mostly used on special teams during the first few years of his career, but under Gus Bradley, he flourished into a 17-game starter that was vital to this team. He also managed to have 10 games with at least 10 tackles, another franchise record.

How this team will look next season is a mystery. Plenty of changes are ahead through free agency and the draft, and some familiar faces may be wearing other colors come September.

One thing is certain, Zaire Franklin is one player that is going to be a crucial part of rebuilding this team and contending for a title once again.

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Colts’ player of the game vs. Chargers: LB Zaire Franklin

Colts LB Zaire Franklin is the player of the game from Monday night.

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Another game, another loss for the Indianapolis Colts.

This one was not as surprising, as the Los Angele Chargers are better in just about every metric. The 20-3 result is a testament to this team’s inability to compete with the top teams in the AFC.

One player who showed that he belongs on this team throughout the rebuilding process is linebacker Zaire Franklin.

The third-year linebacker out of Syracuse recorded nine total tackles in the loss to the Chargers. He also had a sack and tackle for a loss. He has proven his ability to wreak havoc while blitzing, while also becoming a tackling machine.

Two more games and it will be over.

The long slide into the 2023 NFL Draft continues as the Colts attempt to turn the calendar.

Zaire Franklin will be a key piece in making sure this team, and especially this defense, stays intact as the rebuilding process begins.

Colts’ Quenton Nelson named Pro Bowl starter, 5 others alternates

Colts LG Quenton Nelson is the only Pro Bowl starter for Indy with five others being named alternates.

Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson was voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, the first player in franchise history to do so.

Despite the poor offensive line play this season, Nelson has been mostly solid. He may be having a down year by his standards, but he’s still a force on the interior offensive line.

While Nelson was the only player selected to the Pro Bowl, the Colts did have five alternates get voted. They will be eligible if any of the starters at their positions drop out due to injuries or other reasons.

Alongside Nelson, here are the Colts’ players with Pro Bowl nods in 2022: