A pair of young Indianapolis Colts stars will be relied upon to help get the team over the hump and into the postseason.
If the Indianapolis Colts are going to get over the hump and into the playoffs for the first time since 2020, it's going to take a jump in performance from some of their young building blocks.
Two players the Colts will be most reliant on are fourth-year wide receiver Josh Downs and third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu, whom SI.com's Eva Geitheim highlighted as the Colts' two biggest breakout players to monitor.
"With the Colts trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers this offseason, expect Josh Downs to see a larger share of targets this season," Geitheim wrote. "Downs had more than 700 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons before recording 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns in 2025."
On the surface, Downs took a step back in 2025, posting statistical career lows in every meaningful category except for touchdowns. However, it was simply a case of the Colts figuring out how to get everyone in the passing game fed after spending a first-round draft pick on tight end Tyler Warren, who began sharing some of the situational roles that Downs had always occupied.
This year, the Colts have moved on from their former top target-getter, Michael Pittman Jr., which opens things up for Downs, Warren, and Alec Pierce. Head coach Shane Steichen began early, thinking of ways to distribute the ball.
“Yeah, I think obviously losing Pitt, I think Downs, his role will step up a little bit more – more targets for him," Steichen told reporters this offseason. "He's a (heck) of a player. We've played him in the slot a long time. Get him some reps on the outside as well in the spring and see where that goes. But I'm excited about Josh and his development since he's been here.”
With a bigger role, which includes more snaps lined up outside versus just being in the slot, and more targets to go around, expect a leap forward from Downs.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) celebrates a win following a game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 33-8. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous/IndyStarAs for Latu, he may be on the verge of reaching a statistical checkpoint for young pass rushers.
"General manager Chris Ballard said before the draft that he believes Laiatu Latu is on the verge of a breakout season," Geitheim said. "Latu recorded 8.5 sacks last season, and Ballard does think he could be the double-digit sack player they’ve been seeking in Indy."
People internally are bullish on the Colts, but the truth is, they need Latu to become a high-end pass rusher.
The Colts lost out on adding Trey Hendrickson this offseason in free agency, so they have Arden Key and Jaylahn Tuimoloau competing to be the other starting end opposite Latu after parting with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis in the offseason.
“I think he's worked tremendously hard this offseason," Steichen said of Latu. "Obviously, we're not in pads right now, but he's had some good pass rush moves, and you can see the strength and explosiveness off the ball. So, obviously want a big year from him, and I know he wants that as well.”
The big thing for Latu has been finishing plays in the backfield as sacks and hits rather than just generating pressures. Among all NFL edge rushers in 2026, Latu was 19th in pressures (61) tied for 16th in hurries (41), but was tied for 37th in hits. Ultimately, his 8.5 sacks were tied for 19th.
Latu believes he's just a quick step away from being even more productive, but that he's grown in some areas that could make a difference.
“Definitely, it shows that I'm close at certain times, and then there are other times where I need to fix up a little stuff," Latu said of what the film shows. "I would say that looking back at the film, I feel like I'm just right there. There's definitely stuff I can fix in my rushes, where their hand might have got me here, and I could have reduced certain surface level. Or just a lot of little things that I'm watching film and I'm trying to correct out here to where I'm winning more of the time quicker.”
“I definitely have," Latu said when asked if he met his goal this offseason of getting stronger. "I’ve definitely lost good body fat and gained muscle mass on me. I think it definitely shows I was really locked in the offseason – really just growing a lot of strength, but keeping my bend and stuff like that.”
