The Indianapolis Colts were not represented with any selections on the All-Pro First or Second Teams for the 2023 season, but several players were right on the cusp.
While the majority of the time the First-Team selections are what truly stick around, it’s notable when players are voted as Second-Team selections. It’s even noteworthy if a player fails to garner either selection but still receives votes.
The way the system works is the panel of 50 writers vote for each position. If a player is voted on the first team, that vote is worth three points. Second-team votes are worth one point. The players with the most points total get selected.
For the Colts, the following positions received no votes whatsoever for the 2023 AP All-Pro teams:
- Quarterback
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
- Left Tackle
- Right Guard
- Edge Rusher
- Cornerback
- Kick/Punt Returner
- Special Teamer
Now, let’s take a look at the Colts players who did receive votes for the 2023 AP All-Pro teams, courtesy of the Associated Press’ Rob Maadi:
LG Quenton Nelson
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
LEFT GUARDS
Joe Thuney, Kansas City, 88 (26); Tyler Smith, Dallas 33 (5); Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis, 32 (9); Joel Bitonio, Cleveland, 28 (7); Landon Dickerson,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 9
Total Points: 32
Nelson missed out on being a Second-Team by just one point. He actually had the second-most votes for the first-team selection, but he only had five second-team votes. Regardless, Nelson had a stellar season, and it was encouraging to see him return to his dominant form.
C Ryan Kelly
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
CENTERS
Jason Kelce, Philadelphia, 89 (25); Frank Ragnow, Detroit, 67 (14); Creed Humphrey, Kansas City, 25 (6); Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore, 14 (4); Ryan Kelly,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 1
Total Points: 4
It was going to be a longshot for anyone to take the top spot from Jason Kelce, but Kelly’s season should not be overlooked. He bounced back in a big way despite dealing with some injuries.
RT Braden Smith
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
RIGHT TACKLES
Penei Sewell, Detroit, 118 (36); Lane Johnson, Philadelphia, 72 (14); Brian O’Neill, Minnesota, 4; Rob Havenstein, Los Angeles Rams, 2; Morgan Moses,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 0
Total Points: 2
A season riddled with injuries overshadowed what was a solid campaign for Smith. Some fans were frustrated with the constant injuries, but Smith’s presence on the field was vital.
DT DeForest Buckner
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams, 100 (30); Chris Jones, Kansas City, 84 (25); Justin Madubuike, Baltimore, 79 (22); Dexter Lawrence, New York…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 0
Total Points: 2
Buckner didn’t get as much recognition as he should have, which has been true throughout his entire career. He remains one of the best interior pass rushers, and his success is only more impressive considering he had the fourth-highest double-team rate, according to ESPN.
Buckner
LB Zaire Franklin
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
LINEBACKERS
Fred Warner, San Francisco, 150 (50); Roquan Smith, Baltimore, 132 (43); Quincy Williams, New York Jets, 59 (14); Demario Davis, New Orleans, 51 (10); Bobby…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 3
Total Points: 19
Another player who continues to fly under the radar despite his success is Franklin. One of the team captains, few players throughout the league were more active than Franklin on Sundays.
Slot CB Kenny Moore II
First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
SLOT CORNERBACKS
Trent McDuffie, Kansas City, 61 (16); Taron Johnson, Buffalo, 52 (15); Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis, 48 (11); Brian Branch, Detroit, 15 (3); Mike Hilton, Cincinnati, 11 (2);…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 11
Total Points: 48
In the first season including slot cornerback as its own position, Moore was just four points away from being a Second-Team selection. He had a strong bounce-back season, and it will be interesting to see what the offseason holds considering he’s a pending free agent.
S Julian Blackmon
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
SAFETIES
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore, 119 (37); Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay, 109 (30); Jessie Bates III, Atlanta, 107 (29); Justin Simmons, Denver, 26 (2); Geno Stone,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 0
Total Points: 1
It was going to be difficult for Blackmon to really make his mark here considering he doesn’t have the name value that others do. But the fact that he received a vote does show his strong 2023 season didn’t go totally unnoticed.
K Matt Gay
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
KICKERS
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas, 128 (41); Jake Elliott, Philadelphia, 20 (3); Harrison Butker, Kansas City, 16 (2); Dustin Hopkins, Cleveland, 12 (1); Chase McLaughlin,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 0
Total Points: 1
Overall, Gay had a solid season. Even though he missed eight field-goal attempts, five of them came from more than 50 yards. Sure, he’s paid to make those kicks, and he certainly needs to improve upon that number in 2024, but the Colts are still in a strong situation with him as the kicker.
LS Luke Rhodes
AP 2023 NFL All-Pro votes. First-place votes in parentheses are worth 3 points, second-place votes worth 1:
Long Snappers
Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville, 115 (36); Andrew DePaola, Minnesota, 48 (8); Mitchell Fraboni, Denver, 8; Luke Rhodes, Indianapolis, 5 (1); Trent Sieg, Dallas,…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) January 12, 2024
First-Team Votes: 1
Total Points: 5
I’m not going to try to fool you here. I’m not an expert when it comes to long snapping, but Rhodes has been as solid as they come since he made the switch from linebacker in 2017.
