Stampede Blue Staff Awards: Who was the Colts 2024 MVP?

While the Colts season didn’t end the way they wanted to, there are plenty of Colts deserving of recognition for their achievements. Who did the Stampede Blue Staff pick for the Colts awards?

Most Valuable Player:

Voting: Quenton Nelson (4), DeForest Buckner (3), Jonathan Taylor (2)

In a very tight race, MVP came down to 3 very deserving candidates. Quenton Nelson was awarded 2nd Team All Pro Team for his efforts this season from the Associated Press, continuing to add accolades to his potential Hall of Fame career.

In 2024 Nelson allowed:

• 20 Pressures | Tied 3rd lowest in his career
• 3.52% Pressure Rate | 5th lowest in his career
• 3 Sacks | 2nd most in his career
• 79.7 Pass Pro Grade | 4th best in NFL
• 81.7 Run Block Grade | 6th best in NFL
• 81.3 Block Grade | Tied 5th best in NFL

It might not have been Nelson’s best season, but that is more indicative of how high a bar he has set in his career rather than bad play in 2024.

Nelson provided the Colts a crucial stalwart at Left Guard yet again, being a bright spot on the line littered with injuries. He was the only Colts starting offensive lineman to play in all 17 games in 2024. Left Tackle Bernhard Raimann missed 3 games with a knee injury. Right Tackle Braden Smith battled through knee issues throughout the first 12 weeks of the season, but was unable to play in the last 5 due to personal reasons. Center Ryan Kelly was out for 2 weeks due to a neck injury and 5 weeks due to knee and calf injuries, but was active in the last few games of the Colts season. Right Guard Will Fries’ breakout season was cut short during Week 5, missing 12 games due to a season ending Achilles injury.

Nelson’s durability and level of play was huge for giving some stability to the embattled front.

Other vote getters were star Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner and Running Back Jonathan Taylor (more on them later).

---

Offensive Player of the Year:

Voting: Jonathan Taylor (7), Alec Pierce (2)

Surprisingly, not a single vote was cast for Quenton Nelson as OPOY. Instead, our voters went more of the skill position route, as Jonathan Taylor was the clear winner amongst our panel. Taylor enjoyed his first season on his new contract with a nice bounce back Pro Bowl season, especially down the final stretch of the season.

In 2024 he racked up in just 14 games (missing 3 midseason due to a high ankle sprain):

• 303 Carries | 5th in NFL
• 1,431 Rushing Yards | 4th in NFL, 3rd per game
• 4.7 Yards Per Carry | Tied 13th in NFL
• 11 Rushing TDs | Tied 9th in NFL

He also added another 136 yards and a TD as a receiver.

Jonathan Taylor was a bell-cow back for the Colts in 2024, with 247 more carries than the next closest back (Sermon). He showed his true value compared to Sermon, averaging 1.9 more yards per carry than him. While the Colts do need to add depth behind Taylor due to the big drop in production behind him, make no mistake: when Taylor is healthy, he is one of the best backs in the NFL.

While Jonathan Taylor was the engine of the Colts offense, Alec Pierce was the nitrous. The 2nd place vote getter for OPOY only had 66 targets in 16 games in 2024, ranking Tied 66th at the WR position league wide, and a clear-cut 3rd on the Colts target share (behind chain-moving possession receivers Michael Pittman Jr and Josh Downs at 106 and 102 targets respectively). So why does he get the votes and not one of the WRs ahead of him in the target share?

Big. Freakin’. Plays. That’s why.

• 37 Catches | Tied 124th among all NFL Players, Tied 70th among WRs
• 824 Receiving Yards | 38th among all NFL Players, 34th among WRs
• 22.3 Yards Per Reception | 1st among all NFL Players (2nd was .07 yards per catch less)
• 7 Receiving Touchdowns | Tied 21st among all NFL Players, Tied 18th among WRs

Pierce stretched defenses vertically all year, but this time was finally paired with good and willing deep passers for the 1st time in his career with Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco, resulting in the breakout season. This helped keep safeties from loading the box against the run, freed up more space for other targets underneath, and provided the Colts with much needed explosiveness that helped turn the tides in multiple games. Add to this the benefit of Pierce’s run blocking power, and his impact might not have been the most consistent on the box score, but it was certainly felt on the field.

---

Defensive Player of the Year:

Voting: DeForest Buckner (7), Zaire Franklin (1), Jaylon Jones (1)

Buckner was another MVP runner up, but like Taylor he was able to nab the Player of the Year award on his side of the field with 7 votes as a nice consolation prize. DeForest Buckner might have missed 5 games due to a high ankle sprain, but he still racked up quite an impressive season as an interior Defensive Lineman.

• 6.5 Sacks | Tied 11th among DTs, 3rd per game
• 35 Pressures | Tied 28th among DTs, Tied 9th per game
• 13.9 Pass Rush Win % | 9th among DTs
• 33 Tackles | Tied 15th among DTs, Tied 2nd per game
• 8 Tackles For Loss | Tied 14th among DTs, Tied 5th per game
• 77.1 Pass Rush Grade | Tied 13th among DTs
• 73.9 Run Defense Grade | 10th among DTs
• 81.9 Defense Grade | 8th among DTs

While Buckner was unable to get his 4th Pro Bowl of his career, he still was a clear top 10 Defensive Tackle in the NFL, with a case for top 5. As the leader of the defense, he embodied what the Colts look for in their captaincy, with well rounded dominance, impact, accountability, and self reflection.

Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Jones each got a vote apiece, splitting 2nd place in the vote. Franklin led the NFL in Tackles, was 3rd in solos, Tied 5th in Tackles For Loss for offball LBs, was tied for 2nd in the NFL in forced fumbles, and was tied 2nd for offball LBs in INTs, earning All Pro 2nd Team honors. While there were issues in coverage and missed tackles, he made a lot of impact plays to help the Colts as well. Jones meanwhile enjoyed a breakout season as a starting boundary Cornerback. In his 85 targeted plays he had:

• 55 catches (64.7 Completion %)
• 727 receiving yards allowed
• 1 TD allowed
• 2 INTs
• 12 Passes Defended
• 13% Force Incompletion%
• 85.8 Passer Rating allowed
• 67.9 Coverage Grade (Tied 46th)

The former 7th rounder played a crucial role in coverage, especially after his fellow draftmate JuJu Brents’ injuries.

---

Offensive Rookie of the Year:

Voting: Matt Goncalves (7), Tanor Bortolini (2)

Another award, another winner with 7 votes. 3rd round rookie Matt Goncalves won in a landslide, after showing flashes of being the Colts next franchise Tackle picked in the late 70s overall (Goncalves was 79th, Raimann was 77th in 2023). For his rookie season Goncalves allowed:

• 22 Pressures | 5th out of 13 qualifying rookie Tackles , 11th out of 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 7.9% Pressure Rate Allowed | 7th out of 13 qualifying rookie Tackles
• 3 Sacks Allowed | Tied 2nd best out of 13 qualifying rookie Tackles
• 57.1 Pass Pro Grade | 10th out of 13 qualifying rooke Tackles, 17th out of 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 69.3 Run Block Grade | 3rd out of 13 qualifying rookie Tackles, 6th out of 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 65.9 Blocking Grade | 4th out of 13 qualifying rookie Tackles, 6th out of 25 qualifying rookie Linemen

Not bad value for the 21st highest drafted lineman in the class and 18th highest drafted tackle. He scored around average in most metrics league-wide, which is impressive for a rookie drafted where he was, and coming off of an injury that ended his final college season in 2023. Goncalves showed off his versatility, starting at both tackle positions in place of starters Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith. Smith’s future in the NFL is potentially up in the air with him missing the end of the season and having a contract that is very moveable for more cap space, which could allow Goncalves to step into the starting RT spot going forward. Whether he is a career swing tackle or a future quality starting Tackle, he has certainly begun to carve out a future in the NFL with that level of play.

2nd in votes for OPOY was one of Goncalves’ fellow rookie Offensive linemen who took extensive snaps for the Colts, 4th Rounder Tanor Bortolini. Bortolini cemented himself as the top backup to Ryan Kelly, and could be the new starter in 2025 if Kelly departs in Free Agency or retires. As a rookie Bortolini allowed:

• 7 Pressures | Fewest among both 5 qualifying rookie Centers and among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 3.6% Pressure Rate Allowed | 3rd among both 5 qualifying rookie Centers and among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 0 Sacks Allowed | Fewest among both 5 qualifying rookie Centers and among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 64.6 Pass Pro Grade | 2nd among 5 qualifying rookie Centers, 8th among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 65.4 Run Block Grade | 4th among 5 qualifying rookie Centers, 10th among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen
• 65.1 Blocking Grade | 3rd among 5 qualifying rookie Centers, 9th among 25 qualifying rookie Linemen

Bortolini was the 117th overall pick, 27th rookie linemen, and 4th Center taken in the Draft, proving to be another good value addition to the front as a rookie.

---

Defensive Rookie of the Year:

Voting: Laiatu Latu (9)

Our first complete consensus award winner, Laiatu Latu won in a landslide, in part being the only Defensive player the Colts picked in the first 4 rounds. Still, Latu displayed impressive, speed, bend, and fluidity in his ability to get to the QB as a rookie.

• 38 Pressures | 3rd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, Tied 47th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 10.1% Pressure Rate | 4th out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs
• 14% Pass Win Rate | 3rd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, 29th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 4 sacks | 4th out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, Tied 68th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 19 Tackles | 3rd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGES, Tied 63rd out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 17 Run Stops | 2nd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, Tied 65th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 3 Forced Fumbles | 1st out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGES, Tied 3rd out of 135 qualifying EDGES
• 72.1 Pass Rush Grade | 3rd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGES, 30th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs
• 62.3 Run Defense Grade | Tied 6th out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, 68th out of 135 qualifying rookie EDGEs
• 71.5 Defense Grade | 2nd out of 13 qualifying rookie EDGEs, 35th out of 135 qualifying EDGEs

While he didn’t live up to potential NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year expectations as the first defensive player taken in the Draft, he did have a really good year. His run defense was around league average, but his pass rush was really strong, getting very consistent pressure and causing a huge impact when he got to the passer with his strip sack ability. Latu needed to work on finishing his rushes with more sacks but he got to the QB at a very quick and high rate.

Latu had to fight for snaps in the Colts deep pass rush rotation, competing with Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis who each had significant snaps. Latu was 3rd on the pecking order, but was the most consistent pass rusher. The sacks will come, but the pressure is here to stay.

---

Most Improved Player:

Voting: Alec Pierce (4), Nick Cross (3), Josh Downs (1), Jaylon Jones (0.5), Will Fries (0.5)

One of the most tight races of the staff picks, with Alec Pierce and Nick Cross fighting for the top pick. Pierce might have been the runner up in the Offensive Player of the Year award, but he wins the MIP. The jump from 2023 to 2024 was remarkable for Pierce.

• 63 —> 66 Targets = +3 Targets
• 32 —> 37 Catches = +5 Catches
• 50.8% —> 56.1% Catch Rate = +5.3% Catch Rate
• 514 —> 824 Receiving Yards = +310 Receiving Yards
• 16.1 —> 22.3 Yards Per Catch = +6.2 Yards per Catch
• 2 —> 7 Receiving TDs = +5 Receiving TDs
• 56.6 —> 75.3 Receiving Grade + 18.7 Receiving Grade (90th to Tied 34th)

Pierce cemented himself as one of the best deep threats in the NFL with this season. After previously having an aging Matt Ryan and Nick Foles as well as Gardner Minshew as his primary passers in 2022 and 2023, having Anthony Richardson for a majority of the season and a still gunslinging Joe Flacco filling in at times, Pierce’s deep ball threat was able to be utilized much better in 2024.

The MIP runner up, Nick Cross has a good candidacy for this award as well. The 2022 3rd Round pick was considered a more raw and developmental prospect among the scouting community heading into the NFL, being the youngest player in the NFL in 2022. In his first 2 seasons in the NFL, Cross’ production was quite limited, as he made just 4 starts in that time and he was the 3rd or 4th Safety on the depth chart each year.

However in 2024 he stepped into a full time starting role for his 3rd season, emerging as a reliable Strong Safety.

• 146 Tackles | 2nd Most among Safeties
• 38 Run Stops | Tied 4th most among Safeties
• 10.8% Missed Tackle Rate | Tied 25th out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 80.4 Run Defense Grade | Tied 12th out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 43 Receptions / 58 Targets = 74.1% Catch% | 42nd out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 402 Yards Allowed | 15th Most out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 9.3 Yards Per Reception Allowed | Tied 9th Fewest out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 242 Yards After Catch | 3rd Most out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 6 TDs Allowed | Tied 2nd Most out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 3 INTs | Tied 10th among Starting NFL Safeties
• 64.3 Coverage Grade | Tied 23rd out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties
• 70.3 Defense Grade | 18th out of 64 Starting NFL Safeties

Cross in particular thrived in Run Defense, displaying strong angles to ballcarries, reliable tackling, and saving many runs from turning into huge breakaways. While he still had his issues in coverage, as his instincts are still developing in that area, he showed good improvement in that area as well.

The former Maryland Terrapin enters his last year on his rookie deal looking to build on his 2024 breakout season.

Josh Downs also received 1 vote from our panel, as he elevated from being the 2nd option in the Colts passing option to being the 1st based off of targets per game, while also becoming more efficient as a route runner.

• 98 Targets —> 107 Targets = +9 Targets
• 68 Catches —> 72 Catches = +4 Catches
• 72.3 Catch% —> 70.6% Catch% = -1.7% Catch%
• 771 Receiving Yards —> 803 Receiving Yards = +22 Receiving Yards
• 11.3 Yards Per Catch —> 11.2 Yards Per Catch = -0.1 Yards Per Catch
• 2 Receiving TDs —> 5 Receiving TDs = +3 Receiving TDs
• 71 Receiving Grade —> 85.1 Receiving Grade = +14.1 Receiving Grade

An important note for the comparison between the two seasons: Downs didn’t miss a single game in 2023, but in 2024 he missed 3. If he stays healthy, expect Downs to have a nice Year 3 jump in production, especially if QB play improves in Year 3 for him and Anthony Richardson.

One voter couldn’t make up their minds between Jaylon Jones and Will Fries due to Fries’ early injury, thus splitting their vote in two.

---

Comeback Player of the Year:

Voting: Anthony Richardson (3), Nick Cross (2.5), Alec Pierce (1.5), Quenton Nelson (1), Ashton Dulin (1)

The tightest race in these awards, Anthony Richardson won the award by a mere half vote. Yes the same voter who couldn’t decide between Jaylon Jones and Will Fries in the prior award voting for MIP split his vote again, this time being the deciding factor of a potential tie situation for the CBPOY award.

Richardson wins this award for several factors:

• Came back from a 2023 season-ending Grade 3 AC Joint Sprain, needing rehab throughout a majority of the 2024 offseason.
• Came back from a midseason 2024 benching to show strides as a passer.

While back spasms cost him the final 2 games of the 2024 season and he dealt with a few other injuries throughout the season, his ability to comeback from the prior two setbacks in his NFL career and show flashes of better play earned him this award with 3 votes.

Runner up in CBPOY was Cross, who was noted for having to come back from benchings in 2022 and 2023 to have a career year in 2024, which we covered in the MIP runner up section. While Cross didn’t win either reward, his improvements and grit are certainly praiseworthy.

Alec Pierce was the other multiple vote-getter for this award. He came back from doubts of his ability to be a top 3 target in an offense with his inconsistent 2023 season for the highly improved season that earned him the MIP award.

Ashton Dulin also deserves praise for his comeback this season, returning as the Colts Special Teams coverage gunner after suffering a season ending injury in training camp in 2023 to his ACL. The Colts Special Teams unit benefited greatly from him getting back into the lineup in 2024.