How did several key members of the Indianapolis Colts’ upcoming free agent class grade out in 2024 by Pro Football Focus’ metrics?
But before we dive into all of that, I first want to mention that when it comes to player evaluation, while PFF’s grading system is quite helpful in quantifying a player’s performance, it is not the be-all-end-all either. It is one metric and should be treated as such.
Here is a look at PFF’s grading system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite
80-89.9: High quality
70-79.9: Good
60-69.9: Above average
50-59.9: Average
40-49.9: Below average
39.9 or less: Poor
G Will Fries
PFF grade: 86.9
Will Fries would only appear in five games after suffering a lower leg injury against Jacksonville in Week 5. However, as his grade reflects, Fries was playing at a very high level. He also ranked fourth in run-blocking grade among all guards and was 10th in pass-blocking grade.
LB EJ Speed
PFF grade: 56.7
In his first season as a full-time starter, EJ Speed totaled eight pressures as a blizer, and tallied a ton of tackles, with 131 in total. In coverage, he came away with one interception and three pass breakups. However, missed tackles were also an issue, and the Colts could benefit from a greater coverage presence next to Zaire Franklin.
S Julian Blackmon
PFF grade: 69.3
Due to a shoulder injury suffered in Week 1, after a career year as the strong safety in 2023, Julian Blackmon was primarily the Colts’ free safety in 2024. He played the entire year with the injury, and his numbers compared to the season before, did dip, which in part, is a product of the new role Blackmon had.
Blackmon finished the season making 84 of his 99 tackle attempts, allowed 16.8 yards per catch with a 65% completion rate. He also recorded three interceptions and one pass breakup.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
PFF grade: 64.5
Mo Alie-Cox’s bread and butter is as a blocker, where among all tight ends in 2024 he ranked 15th in run-blocking grade. However–and not only from Alie-Cox, but the Colts tight end unit as a whole–there was little presence in the passing game. He finished the year with 12 catches for 147 yards and a score.
C Ryan Kelly
PFF grade: 67.0
Ryan Kelly played in just 10 games due to injuries, but provided his usual stability when on the field. Kelly would rank 19th in pass-blocking efficiency out of 40 eligible centers and 25th in run-blocking grade. In Kelly’s return from injury in Week 16, Jonathan Taylor eclipsed 125 rushing yards in each of the final three games. Before that, he rushed for over 100 yards only twice in the previous five game span.
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
PFF grade: 66.1
Dayo Odeyingbo finished the 2024 season leading the Colts in pressures with 42. He also tallied four sacks as well and compared to the rest of his position group, ranked 44th in win rate. In run defense grade, however, Odeyingbo ranked 82nd out of 129 eligible edge defenders.