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The linebacker position remains a major roster hole for the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, there is still a significant lack of experience within this position group.
Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. Relying on the current iteration of this room to make an impact comes with risks, given the lack of experience.
GM Chris Ballard hasn't ruled out continuing to add to this position through free agency. But realistically, if that's going to happen, it may not take place until after the NFL draft.
"We feel good about the guys we have," Ballard said, "some young players, but also some guys that are still out there, and plus the draft."
With a pair of Day 2 draft picks, here are a few of the top linebacker options for the Colts.
Rodriguez was one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also had good ball production in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups. Rodriguez forced seven fumbles as well.
This past year, with Missouri, Trotter was one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also logged 14 pressures and three sacks as a blitzer. In coverage, he allowed 27 completions on 32 targets at 8.8 yards per catch. Trotter did not log any ball production.
Golday has played over 2,000 career defensive snaps at the college level. He's been effective as a blitzer, and in 2025, he was one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position. In coverage, he held opponents to under 9.0 yards per catch, while forcing three pass breakups.
Another candidate could be Texas' Anthony Hill Jr., who was a pick by the Colts in a recent mock draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 prospects who can address Colts' need at linebacker
Continue reading...
Despite the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, there is still a significant lack of experience within this position group.
Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. Relying on the current iteration of this room to make an impact comes with risks, given the lack of experience.
GM Chris Ballard hasn't ruled out continuing to add to this position through free agency. But realistically, if that's going to happen, it may not take place until after the NFL draft.
"We feel good about the guys we have," Ballard said, "some young players, but also some guys that are still out there, and plus the draft."
With a pair of Day 2 draft picks, here are a few of the top linebacker options for the Colts.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez was one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also had good ball production in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups. Rodriguez forced seven fumbles as well.
Josiah Trotter, Missouri
This past year, with Missouri, Trotter was one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also logged 14 pressures and three sacks as a blitzer. In coverage, he allowed 27 completions on 32 targets at 8.8 yards per catch. Trotter did not log any ball production.
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Golday has played over 2,000 career defensive snaps at the college level. He's been effective as a blitzer, and in 2025, he was one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position. In coverage, he held opponents to under 9.0 yards per catch, while forcing three pass breakups.
Another candidate could be Texas' Anthony Hill Jr., who was a pick by the Colts in a recent mock draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 prospects who can address Colts' need at linebacker
Continue reading...
