5 breakout stars to watch for Indianapolis Colts in 2020

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Bobby Okereke #58 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after returning a two point conversion during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

3. LB Bobby Okereke

After looking like a unit on the rise in 2018, the defense of the Indianapolis Colts took some steps backwards this past season. Some of it had to do with injuries as both linebacker Darius Leonard and safety Malik Hooker each missed three games and cornerback Kenny Moore was out for five contests.

This year, general manager Chris Ballard looked to reinforce a group that really struggled down the stretch in 2019 with additions such as defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (via trade) and cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie.

One season after finishing 11th in the league in total defense and 16th vs. the pass, the Colts slipped to 16th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game and were a disappointing 23rd in terms of aerial yards allowed. Indianapolis allowed 37 offensive touchdown this past season, 29 through the air.

But one of the bright spots in ’19 was rookie linebacker Bobby Okereke. His finished with 58 defensive tackles and seven more on special teams. The third-round selection from Stanford also picked off a two-point conversion attempt by the Jaguars in Week 11 and returned it for two points. It will be interesting to see if his role expands this season.