The Indianapolis Colts were hit by the injury bug in a big way during the 2022 NFL season. Running back Jonathan Taylor, linebacker Shaquille Leonard and offensive lineman Quenton Nelson were among those that were limited.

Leonard played in only three games last year. The star linebacker missed most of the action due to a nerve issue in his back. He was considered to be among the best at his position, so the Colts missed his impact in a big way.

NFL executives and league personnel ranked the Colts star as the best off-ball linebacker heading into last season. This year, Leonard slips down the rankings – largely due to questions about his durability.

The Pro Bowl backer lands at No. 7 in the list that was compiled by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. As many as 80 personnel from around the NFL voted on the top-10 players at each of the 11 positions on offense and defense.

7. Shaquille Leonard, Indianapolis Colts

Leonard's penchant for causing turnovers earned him last year's No. 1 spot. Through his first four seasons, he produced 11 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 15 sacks. But he played just three games last season before undergoing back surgery to repair two discs.

Before his season came to an end, he had 11 tackles and one interception for 15 yards.

Leonard was voted as high as No. 6 in the rankings and as low as outside of the top-10 completely. Again, he is coming off a season in which he only appeared in three games.

Therefore, there is some hesitancy about ranking him too high. Obviously, a healthy and productive season would likely have him surge back up the list and put him right back into the conversation as the best in the league. Health is the primary concern.

"He still scares [offenses] in the ways he can take away the ball, but I'm not sure he has that one dominant trait, and you wonder about the long-term health at this point," an AFC scout said. "I hope I'm wrong in that. He's a fantastic player."

If anything, this could be a little more motivation for Shaquille Leonard as he prepares for the upcoming season. He's already chomping at the bits to get back on the field, so he will surely want to re-establish himself at the linebacker position.

Which should work out favorably for the Indianapolis Colts. A motivated – and healthy- Leonard is a difference-making player that transforms the defense when he is on the field.

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Featured image via Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK