The highest-graded Colts players from their preseason loss to the Broncos, according to PFF

The Indianapolis Colts couldn't come away with the win against the Denver Broncos during their preseason opener. But they still had multiple players finish with solid performances. And with the first week of the preseason in the books, Pro Football Focus has released their grades for each player who saw action.  Colts PFF Grades: Preseason Week […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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The Indianapolis Colts celebrate a touchdown by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (7) during a pre-season game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, August. 11, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts couldn't come away with the win against the Denver Broncos during their preseason opener. 

But they still had multiple players finish with solid performances. And with the first week of the preseason in the books, Pro Football Focus has released their grades for each player who saw action. 


Colts PFF Grades: Preseason Week 1


Colts' top 5 offensive grades

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) throws a pass during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-30
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

1. Mo Alie-Cox, TE: 87.8

2. Sam Ehlinger, QB: 76.3
During the game broadcast, a commentator referred to Sam Ehlinger as "Mr. August" due to his stellar preseason play over the years. He backed this up with a solid performance in the 2024 preseason opener. He completed five of his six pass attempts for 80 yards, his one incompletion being an interception due to a lot of pressure on the play. 

3. Quenton Nelson, LG: 74.8

4. Bernhard Raimann, LT: 74.3

5. Laquon Treadwell, WR: 72.4
Laquon Treadwell is still one of the new guys in the Colts locker room, with him signing with the team after the first day of training camp. But it didn't take him long to find the endzone, with him catching the only passing touchdown of the game for the Colts off a pass from rookie Jason Bean. 


Colts' top 5 defensive grades 

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Micah Abraham (33) celebrates after he scores a touchdown after intercepting a ball during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-30.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

1. Zaire Franklin, LB: 95.0
Zaire Franklin didn't play much in the preseason opener, but he left his mark. He ended up with the highest PFF grade of any defender from the first week of preseason and the highest coverage grade of any LB, 92.0. His coverage ability has been viewed as a flaw in his game for some time. If he can drastically improve in that area in 2024, look out because Franklin might join an elite list of LBs in the NFL. 

2. Micah Abraham, CB: 92.2
Colts sixth-round pick Micah Abraham had quite the welcome to the NFL moment, scoring a touchdown after forcing and recovering a fumble. His solid play earned him our first Colts Player of the Week honor of the year, and more importantly, he showed the team he belongs on their 53-man roster. 

3. Cameron McGrone, LB: 92.0

4. Kenny Moore II, CB: 85.6

5. Laiatu Latu, Edge: 83.8
It was a short day for Colts 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu, who only got to play eight total snaps but made the most of his time on the field. He lived in the backfield and racked up multiple wins against a solid LT in Garrett Boles. He flashed his ability to win off the edge, which he had been doing in abundance during training camp so far. We will have to wait for the regular season to know for sure, but the more we watch Latu, the more he already looks like the real deal. 


Aug 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen calls a timeout during the second half of the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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