The Indianapolis Colts rookie class from the 2023 season had plenty of ups and downs throughout what was an encouraging campaign from the organization as a whole.
With their first season now behind them, it’s time to take a quick look back at how they performed and where they may be headed in the future. In our rookie review series, we’ll be taking a look at each 2023 draft pick currently still with the team.
Here are the rookie seasons we’ve reviewed thus far:
Now, it’s time to review the rookie season for defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, who was selected with the No. 110 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
2023 stats
| Games (Starts) | 10 (0) |
| Snaps | 132 (19%) |
| Tackles (Solo) | 5 (4) |
| Sacks | 1.5 |
| Tackles For Loss | 1 |
| Quarterback Hits | 4 |
| Total Pressures (PFF) | 6 |
What went right
There was a level of expectation that Adebawore would be a long-term project coming into the NFL. Though he was an enticing pick in the fourth round, his game simply needed more polish. While he didn’t get a big role and didn’t make his debut until Week 4, Adebawore showed some life when he received more snaps during the second half of the season. He at least showed some flashes during his rookie campaign to provide some hope that he can develop into a rotational pass rusher from the interior. Adebawore also proved he can be versatile, lining up at various spots on the line—albeit in a very small sample.
What went wrong
As stated above, Adebawore entered the league as a known project with upside. The expectation was that he would sit as a rotational depth piece while further developing his game. He showed flashes as a pass rusher, but the consistency was far from encouraging. The Northwestern product was also a liability against the run, but that’s to be expected from a 22-year-old entering the NFL.
Best game
Without a doubt, Adebawore’s best game from his rookie season came in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. He totaled three pressures, a sack, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. It was a game that we needed to see from the uber-athletic defender given the quiet rookie season he had up to that point.
Overall review
Expectations are key for a player like Adebawore. He’s still a young player growing into his body against a league full of grown men. His projection is much more long-term, but it can pay off if his development is done correctly. Abebawore needs to continue honing his pass-rushing skills, especially when it comes to counters. He may find it difficult to be a contributor against the run given his size, and the Colts’ run scheme under Gus Bradley. However, he has the type of athleticism teams should want to develop. Year 2 will be a crucial one for Adebawore as he’ll need to at least show he’s making progress.
