The 2022 season is one that the Colts organization and fans want to forget. However, it is also a season that opened some eyes to who are the elite players and who still have something to prove. Naturally, the entire roster should have something to prove coming off one of the worst seasons in the last two decades, but there are a couple of players in particular who have the most to prove.

This list will focus on players from 2022 who either had a disappointing year or a potential year that needs to be improved upon.

WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The entire 2022 offense struggled horribly due in large part to offensive line woes and unproductive QB play. Pittman, who came off a very productive and breakout 2021 season, struggled to produce in 2022. According to Player Profile, Pittman had 7 drops in 2022 as compared to only 4 in 2021. Pittman also only had 4 TDs in 2022 compared to 6 in 2021. He did get more receptions in 2022 being the primary receiver, but he only averaged 9.3 yards which is among the worst. He also struggled to get any deep balls compared to 2021, but that is not entirely his fault as the QBs struggled to get the ball down the field.

Even with the inconsistencies and bad play at QB, there were times when the chance came and Pittman did not have the same explosion as he had in years prior. Pittman still has one year left on his rookie contract and if he wants a healthy extension and wants to be a top receiver in this league, he needs to produce big time for the team and his rookie QB. He can also silence a lot of his critics who still do not believe that he is a top WR, but it will all depend on his performance in this 2023 season.

OT Bernhard Raimann

As a rookie at age 25, Raimann was put into the starting lineup in week 5 against the Denver Broncos and it was certainly a “Welcome to the NFL” moment for him as he had four penalties in the first half and struggled against Broncos pass rusher Baron Browning who seemed to bully the rookie all throughout the game.

However, after his week 9 start against the New England Patriots in which the entire offensive line struggled to perform, Raimann played much better. As Colts writer, J.J. Stankevitz tweeted, Raimann finished second among rookies in the PFF block grade. PFF would also give Raimann an offense grade of 73.3 which is ranked 25th out of 81 tackles in the NFL.

For any offense to be effective, the offensive line needs to be efficient, and the Colts will be looking for Raimann to improve upon his 2022 season. Raimann played at left tackle last season and the Colts will look for him to play in that position in 2023. If the Colts decide to start QB Anthony Richardson, they will need that left side (the blind side) to play efficiently to help the young QB develop.

CB Kenny Moore II

Kenny Moore is coming off a disappointing 2022 season in which he did not force or even recover a single turnover. This being said, Moore also played in only 12 games last season and suffered an ankle injury that happened in week 12 against the Steelers.

According to Player Profile, Moore allowed a 122.6 passer rating and a 72% catch rating in 2022, which ranked among the worst in the league. The Colts secondary as a whole unit did not perform very well, but with Moore’s experience, these type of numbers and production is well below what he is capable of.

2023 is going to be another challenging year with Isaiah Rogers no longer on the team and several rookies looking to compete for starting roles. Moore is going to need to step up and not only be a veteran presence but also display veteran production on the field.

For more on the rookie CBs, check out 5 Cornerbacks to Watch Entering the 2023 Season.