Colts’ best player in Week 17 is one of the NFL’s most underrated players, and most of their roster should take notes from him

Ashton Dulin is one of the most underrated players in the NFL, but he has truly become one of the Colts best players on a week-to-week basis.

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen
Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts lost their sixth game in a row and their seventh in their last eight in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. There were multiple bright spots during the game, though, as Philip Rivers left it all on the field for what was likely his final game of the career, and the team got an early glimpse of how valuable Sauce Gardner can be

The best player on the field for the Colts in Week 17 wasn’t a star many typically think of, but is one of the most underrated players in the league: Ashton Dulin. If a team could have 53 players like Dulin, they might do it. His impact goes under the radar, but he shows up every time his number is called in a big way, and it’s time he gets his flowers.

Ashton Dulin was the Colts’ top performer in Week 17, and he deserves more praise for being one of the best in the NFL at his position

Dulin finished Week 17 with 129 kick return yards on three returns. He averaged 43 yards per return and was a real weapon. On top of that, he made play after play, as the team’s gunner, a position he’s been one of the best in the NFL at for quite a while now. 

Colts special teams ace Ashton Dulin
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works to move past Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) on a kickoff return Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Effort has been a significant topic of conversation regarding the Colts in recent weeks and years. Dulin isn’t one you have to question his effort, though. He gives the team 110% every time he’s on the field and has truly become one of the team’s best players, even if it’s not at a position many value. 

He is a true difference-maker who gives the Colts an edge on special teams. He’s a player all 32 NFL teams would love to have, and he’s someone the rest of the Colts roster could learn a lot from.

Dulin doesn’t take a single down in the NFL for granted, and he leaves it all on the field every week. I want to correct an earlier statement I made in this article. Earlier, I said if a team could have 53 Dulins, they might do it. What I should have said is they would love to have 53 Dulins on their roster.