Colts' Buckner, Nelson Named 2024 MVP Candidates

In the wake of a disappointing 8-9 season, two Indianapolis Colts players, guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, were recognized in ESPN's Seth Walder's top 100 'real MVP candidates' for the 2024 NFL season, with Nelson ranked 59th and Buckner 73rd. Nelson demonstrated exceptional performance, earning a second-team All-Pro nod, while Buckner maintained a strong presence on defense despite missing five games due to injury. Both players showcased their skills, with Nelson ranking highly in both pass and run blocking, and Buckner contributing significantly to the defensive effort. However, notable omissions from this MVP conversation included star running back Jonathan Taylor, despite his strong season that saw him finish fourth in the league with 1,431 rushing yards. The Colts' overall offensive performance was lackluster, leading to questions about the future of key players as they aim for improvement in 2025. The team's management faces pressure to enhance their performance and potentially reshuffle the roster ahead of the next campaign.