Indianapolis Colts defender named team's biggest potential bust for 2024

Entering his third season in the NFL, Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II is at a crossroads.

After bursting onto the scene as an unlikely starter during his rookie campaign, the former seventh-round pick has struggled to maintain that level of production.

Since then, Thomas has lost his starting job to fellow third-year safety Nick Cross and finds himself on a downward trajectory for his career.

David Kenyon of Bleacher Report isn't too bullish on Thomas turning things around, calling him the team's biggest potential bust in 2024.

Behind a strong front seven, Indianapolis has potential issues at safety. Nick Cross stepped in for Rodney Thomas late in 2023, creating a competition for one starting spot in 2024. Thomas wasn't a reliable tackler last year and created little chaos in coverage. That's a worrying sign for his performance this season.

Thomas made 15 starts during the 2023 season, recording two interceptions and four passes defensed while logging 34 tackles (30 solo). According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas allowed a 97.9 passer rating on 20 targets in 2023.

The Colts definitely have an intriguing battle taking place at safety. With Julian Blackmon returning on a one-year deal this offseason, Thomas and Cross are locked in a battle for the other safety role.

Entering training camp, Cross has the upper hand in the competition, and there's a good chance it stays that way considering how both players are trending.

Either way, this is a crucial season for Thomas' career as he looks to make a turnaround.