2021 NFL Bold Prediction No. 11: Darius Leonard ends up with 150 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, and five picks
Darius Leonard is a monster. The Indianapolis Colts linebacker was given one of the biggest deals for a defender in the league when they agreed to a five-year, $99.25 million extension. And since then, he’s proven to be worth every penny.
Right now, Leonard has 93 tackles, five forced fumbles, and two interceptions in 12 games. He pretty much just camps around the football and is a huge reason the Colts have been able to turn this season around and start to challenge the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South.
Having said all that, he won’t be satisfied with the status quo. Look for Leonard to completely take off in the final five games and finish the season with 150 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, and five interceptions on the season.
Part of what makes the former South Carolina State product so dangerous is his ability to affect the game in so many ways. One of those ways is by rushing the quarterback, evidenced by his 15 career sacks. He has none yet in 2021, but that will also change as he should rack up between three to five in December and January as well to go along with those other impressive numbers.