NFL Dark Horses Heading Into OTAs
Credit: The Sporting News
It is now officially OTA (Organized Team Activities) for most of the NFL. As teams gear up for training camp is that time in the offseason where conversations are had about teams potential success come the regular season. With that being said here are some dark horse teams worth time in the conversation. All these teams could exceed expectations come next fall.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts are heading into their second season under head coach Shane Steichen. Indy went 9-8 last season and were just a yard on fourth down away from making the postseason—all without their starting quarterback, rookie Anthony Richardson. Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after playing in only four games. However, in those four games, Richardson flashed his rushing and throwing abilities. The former fourth overall pick is heading into a great situation in his sophomore season.
The Colts’ main goal this offseason was to retain and improve. They re-signed star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who inked a three-year, $70 million deal after coming off his best season as a Colt. Indy also re-signed key pieces on defense, including defensive linemen Grover Stewart, safety Julian Blackman, cornerback Kenny Moore, and they extended contracts for star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and breakout linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The Colts have also heavily improved via the draft; for two seasons in a row, the Colts have hit home runs with their entire draft class. In 2024, the Colts selected one of the best defensive players in the draft, Laiatu Latu, an edge rusher from UCLA. Latu adds another threat off the edge to an already stacked unit. Indy double-dipped on great picks to start the draft, grabbing Texas’ Adonai Mitchell to add to their receiver room. Mitchell had a first-round grade as a prospect and complements both the aforementioned Pittman Jr. and second-year receiver Josh Downs, who broke out last season coming out of the slot. With the 7th easiest schedule heading into the next season, a healthy Richardson, and more additions to their defense, Indy is worth keeping an eye on next season.
Cincinnati Bengals
A team that boasts a top-three quarterback should automatically be included in any conversation regarding success. With a healthy Joe Burrow, the Bengals are among the elite in the AFC. Last year, Burrow struggled with injuries—he had a lingering calf injury sustained during the offseason, and then a wrist injury prematurely ended his season. The Bengals finished 9-8 last season, finding some success with backup Jake Browning, but it wasn’t enough to sustain their postseason hopes. Now that Burrow is healthy, many within the Bengals organization hope this could be the year he leads them back to the Super Bowl, as he did two years ago.
The Bengals have been in discussions, particularly concerning the future of two of their star players: Tee Higgins and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Higgins requested a trade during free agency after being franchise-tagged following the end of his rookie deal. He has yet to sign his franchise tender and was not present for the start of OTAs this week, according to reports. Hendrickson also requested a trade just before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Nonetheless, Cincinnati hopes to retain both players, as they are pivotal to the team’s success.
Offensively, the biggest changes are that they will be without running back Joe Mixon, who was traded to Houston for a late-round pick, as well as wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who left in free agency and signed with Tennessee. Tackle Jonah Williams also left in free agency to sign with the Rams. It’s safe to say the Bengals have lost a lot of key pieces in free agency, and that doesn’t even include the loss of defensive tackle DJ Reader and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Nonetheless, the Bengals filled many of these holes in the draft with the likes of Amarius Mims from Georgia, whom they hope can develop into their long-standing right tackle for the future. They also added Michigan’s Kris Jenkins, who can help along the defensive line and pass rush. Additionally, they added Alabama’s Jermaine Burton to compete for the third wide receiver spot with Boyd leaving. They also added notable players in free agency, with the likes of defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, safety Geno Stone, tackle Trent Brown, and running back Zach Moss. The Bengals are hoping to bounce back in the jungle with plenty of welcome additions to return to the top of the AFC.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are not quite out of the woods just yet. This past season was up and down in Sin City for the Raiders. Las Vegas went through two coaches, a quarterback change, and a rough offensive scheme, which led the Raiders to an 8-9 finish last season. One of the best things to come out of last year was the hiring of former linebacker and interim head coach Antonio Pierce as their full-time head coach. Pierce was adamant about reviving what it means to be a Raider and is implementing one of the crucial ingredients to a successful team: identity. Combined with some pieces they already have and have added, the Raiders could find success in an AFC West ruled by the Chiefs, while the rest of the division is closer than ever.
Starting with what they have, the Raiders have a top-five wide receiver in Davante Adams, a great defensive pass rush led by one of the best in Maxx Crosby, and a fairly underrated offensive line. Las Vegas added a lot to both the defensive front and offensive line. Their biggest addition has to be former Miami Dolphin defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who is a great running mate with Crosby. The Raiders also added some young blood via the draft, with their first two picks being tight end Brock Bowers out of Georgia—widely considered by reports as one of the best prospects at the position. They also drafted Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, who could slide over to guard instead of center for now but has great upside.
Now, the Raiders still have holes to fill, particularly at quarterback and running back. Aidan O’Connell came in after October to start under Pierce and was sufficient, to say the least. It was no secret the Raiders were looking to upgrade at quarterback in the draft; however, via the luck of the draw, no quarterback fell to them in the first round. They did bring in former Colt Gardner Minshew, who can be a decent starter to win some games for the silver and black. The Raiders are the definition of a dark horse but very well could make a splash in the regular season.
Overall, there is no telling how each of these teams will fare at this point. We are not talking about the Super Bowl just yet for each team. The season is long, and anything can happen, but let’s not be surprised if one of these dark horses pushes to the front of the pack in their respective divisions or close to the finish line.