Colts team under 25: Where Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor stand

For the Indianapolis Colts to make a playoff run this season, the young players on their roster will need to make significant contributions.

We ranked the top 20 players on the list earlier this week, giving you an insight into what the top of the list looks like.

This time, we’re evaluating players who are 25 years old or younger. To qualify for this list, a player cannot turn 26 before the end of the regular season, which falls on January 5, 2025.

Here are the Colts’ top 10 players who are 25 or younger:

Indianapolis Colts Team 25 and Under

10. S Nick Cross (22 years old, born September 10, 2001)

Cross enters his crucial third year as the projected starter at the free safety position unless a veteran is signed before the season begins. He showed good flashes late last year but will need to show consistency to become a reliable starting safety.

9. WR Adonai Mitchell (21 years old, born October 8, 2002)

Mitchell comes into the league with a grudge after slipping to the second round of the NFL Draft despite rumors that he was a first-round pick. He will compete with Alec Pierce for the X role in Shane Steichen’s offense and should make an impact as a rookie.

8. CB Jaylon Jones (22 years old, born April 3, 2002)

A surprise contributor to the 2023 season was Jones, a seventh-round pick. He finished his rookie year with 44 tackles, one TFL, and five passes defensed. He has a chance to earn a starting position in training camp.

7. EDGE Laiatu Latu (23 years old, born on December 31, 2000)

Latu comes into the NFL with a high level of ability. He was the best pass rusher of his draft class and has the potential to be one of the best players on the roster over the next few seasons.

6. CB JuJu Brents (24 years old, born January 18, 2000)

Brents was another 2023 draft pick who showed positive things on the field but struggled with injuries during his rookie season. He can develop into a shutdown corner if he stays on the field and continues to grow within the defensive system.

5. WR Alec Pierce (24 years old, born May 2, 2000)

Pierce had his moments in his first two seasons, but now faces pressure to take his next step in Year 3. A breakout season would help him create the explosive plays the offense wants in 2024.

4. WR Josh Downs (22 years old, August 12, 2001)

Downs came into his own in his rookie season, creating explosive plays in the slot. He will take a big leap in his sophomore year and continue to build on the chemistry he briefly showed with Anthony Richardson last year.

3. QB Anthony Richardson (22 years old, born May 22, 2002)

There is a lot of good about AR’s potential as a quarterback. At his age, he still has a lot of time to develop and become one of the best players at his position for a long time. Richardson is the X-factor that will define Indy’s 2024 season.

2. EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo (24 years old, born September 24, 1999)

Odeyingbo is coming off a career year in Year 3, setting career highs in several categories. He will push for a starting position in training camp and has an opportunity to capitalize after another strong performance in 2024.

1. RB Jonathan Taylor (25 years old, born January 19, 1999)

I had to do a double take when I realized JT qualified for this list despite being in the NFL for four seasons. He’s one of the best players at his position and has plenty of time left before he hits the horrific age of 30 for a running back.