5 players who Colts need to be great in 2020

2. LB Darius Leonard

If you ask any knowledgeable Colts’ fan about the team’s most important players, linebacker Darius Leonard is one of the first names they mention. Leonard has been a steal for the Colts since they drafted him in the second round of 2018, emerging as a tackling machine as a rookie.

Indianapolis has been able to lean on Leonard as the leader of their defense, and his on-field performance has been stellar. As a rookie, Leonard led the league in tackles and was named First-Team All-Pro as well as taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Leonard’s ability to make plays all over the field has been a help to Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who has built his scheme around Leonard’s abilities. Entering his third year, Leonard has a ton of responsibility in the defense to ensure that everyone is lined up correctly and in position to make plays.

There is no question that Leonard is the most important player on the defensive side of the ball for Indianapolis. If Leonard were to miss any time due to injury, the Colts’ defense would be in a lot of trouble.