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We are now a few days into free agency, so let's take an updated look at the Indianapolis Colts' current depth chart on defense.
The three outside signings made by GM Chris Ballard have all come on the defensive side of the ball, specifically up front. The Colts have added defensive ends Arden Key and Micheal Clemons, along with defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
However, as the depth chart below illustrates, there is still a lot of work to be done on defense between what's left of free agency and the NFL draft.
Ballard has bolstered the Colts' rotational depth at this position. Key seems to be a natural replacement for Samson Ebukam, while Clemons will replace Lewis and his role. However, more work still has to be done here. Ideally, whether it be in free agency or in the draft, Ballard adds another high-impact presence to pair with Latu.
In his introductory press conference, Wooden discussed his role with the Colts. Unlike in Green Bay last season, he will not be at nose tackle but will be more of a 3-technique. Numbers are still needed at this position for training camp, and ideally, some added competition for playing time. It's also important to note that none of these players are under contract in 2027. The prudent thing to do on Ballard's part would be to bring in some longer-term options.
Linebacker is a massive need. Carlies is currently the most experienced player at this position with 242 career defensive snaps. Versuk and Vaughn have none at the NFL level.
A very strong position group. The Colts have a mixture of high-end talent, veteran experience, and younger, high upside potential. Once fully healthy, this unit could be quite good.
With Nick Cross now in Washington, the starting role next to Cam Bynum is available. Hunter Wohler could be an option on the roster to take over, but banking on a former seventh-round pick who missed his entire rookie season to step into a larger role comes with risks. After signing Bynum to a big deal last offseason, we may not see the Colts be big spenders at this position. This is another inexperienced position group overall.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Evaluating major needs on Colts' defensive depth chart
Continue reading...
The three outside signings made by GM Chris Ballard have all come on the defensive side of the ball, specifically up front. The Colts have added defensive ends Arden Key and Micheal Clemons, along with defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
However, as the depth chart below illustrates, there is still a lot of work to be done on defense between what's left of free agency and the NFL draft.
Colts' defensive line end depth chart
- Laiatu Latu
- JT Tuimoloau
- Arden Key
- Micheal Clemons
- Durell Nchami
- Villiami Fehoko Jr.
Ballard has bolstered the Colts' rotational depth at this position. Key seems to be a natural replacement for Samson Ebukam, while Clemons will replace Lewis and his role. However, more work still has to be done here. Ideally, whether it be in free agency or in the draft, Ballard adds another high-impact presence to pair with Latu.
Colts' defensive tackle depth chart
- DeForest Buckner
- Grover Stewart
- Colby Wooden
- Adetomiwa Adebawore
- Derrick Nnadi
- Tim Smith
In his introductory press conference, Wooden discussed his role with the Colts. Unlike in Green Bay last season, he will not be at nose tackle but will be more of a 3-technique. Numbers are still needed at this position for training camp, and ideally, some added competition for playing time. It's also important to note that none of these players are under contract in 2027. The prudent thing to do on Ballard's part would be to bring in some longer-term options.
Colts linebacker depth chart
- Jaylon Carlies
- Austin Ajiake
- Devin Versuk
- Joseph Vaughn
- John Bullock
Linebacker is a massive need. Carlies is currently the most experienced player at this position with 242 career defensive snaps. Versuk and Vaughn have none at the NFL level.
Colts cornerback depth chart
- Sauce Gardner
- Charvarius Ward
- Kenny Moore
- Justin Walley
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Jaylon Jones
- Johnathan Edwards
- Robert Carter Jr.
- Wyett Ekeler
A very strong position group. The Colts have a mixture of high-end talent, veteran experience, and younger, high upside potential. Once fully healthy, this unit could be quite good.
Colts safety depth chart
- Cam Bynum
- Hunter Wohler
- Daniel Scott
- Trey Washington
- Reuben Lowrey
- Ben Nikkel
With Nick Cross now in Washington, the starting role next to Cam Bynum is available. Hunter Wohler could be an option on the roster to take over, but banking on a former seventh-round pick who missed his entire rookie season to step into a larger role comes with risks. After signing Bynum to a big deal last offseason, we may not see the Colts be big spenders at this position. This is another inexperienced position group overall.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Evaluating major needs on Colts' defensive depth chart
Continue reading...
