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With free agency near, let's explore what the Indianapolis Colts' starting defense would look like at this very moment.
Now, to state the obvious, what this lineup looks like today likely won't be what it will look like come training camp after free agency and the NFL draft take place. But what this exercise does do is provide us with insight into the current state of the Colts' roster.
None of the Colts' current free agents were included since they could end up elsewhere.
From the sounds of it, addressing the defense, specifically the front seven, will be a big priority this offseason for the Colts.
After taking a look at the offense, next up is the defensive side of the ball, when in their nickel alignment.
Defensive line: Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, JT Tuimoloau
Depth is a major need at both of these position groups. Also, more pass-rush juice is needed up front as well. The Colts ranked 30th in ESPN's pass-rush win rate metric in 2025.
Linebacker: Zaire Franklin, Austin Ajiake
Franklin is listed for now, but the Colts are reportedly trying to trade him. Even if they don't find a trade partner, he could still be released, netting the team over $5 million in cap savings.
I went with Ajiake over Jaylon Carlies, given his experience. Carlies has missed a lot of time due to injuries.
Depth is a must here, as is finding an added coverage presence. Chris Ballard mentioned wanting to get younger and faster on defense. Those sentiments can be applied to the entire front seven.
Cornerback: Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, Sauce Gardner
The Colts are positioned very well here, and from the sounds of it, Ward intends to play this season after expressing uncertainty at the end of last year.
The depth at this position is strong as well, with Justin Walley, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, and Johnathan Edwards also on the roster.
Safety: Cam Bynum, Hunter Wohler
With Nick Cross a free agent, the starting spot next to Bynum is available. The Colts are bullish on Wohler, but relying solely on a former seventh-round pick who missed his entire rookie season due to injury to step into a full-time starting role comes with obvious risks. Competition for playing time is needed.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Projecting Colts' starting defense before free agency begins
Continue reading...
Now, to state the obvious, what this lineup looks like today likely won't be what it will look like come training camp after free agency and the NFL draft take place. But what this exercise does do is provide us with insight into the current state of the Colts' roster.
None of the Colts' current free agents were included since they could end up elsewhere.
From the sounds of it, addressing the defense, specifically the front seven, will be a big priority this offseason for the Colts.
After taking a look at the offense, next up is the defensive side of the ball, when in their nickel alignment.
Colts projected starting offense before free agency
Defensive line: Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, JT Tuimoloau
Depth is a major need at both of these position groups. Also, more pass-rush juice is needed up front as well. The Colts ranked 30th in ESPN's pass-rush win rate metric in 2025.
Linebacker: Zaire Franklin, Austin Ajiake
Franklin is listed for now, but the Colts are reportedly trying to trade him. Even if they don't find a trade partner, he could still be released, netting the team over $5 million in cap savings.
I went with Ajiake over Jaylon Carlies, given his experience. Carlies has missed a lot of time due to injuries.
Depth is a must here, as is finding an added coverage presence. Chris Ballard mentioned wanting to get younger and faster on defense. Those sentiments can be applied to the entire front seven.
Cornerback: Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, Sauce Gardner
The Colts are positioned very well here, and from the sounds of it, Ward intends to play this season after expressing uncertainty at the end of last year.
The depth at this position is strong as well, with Justin Walley, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, and Johnathan Edwards also on the roster.
Safety: Cam Bynum, Hunter Wohler
With Nick Cross a free agent, the starting spot next to Bynum is available. The Colts are bullish on Wohler, but relying solely on a former seventh-round pick who missed his entire rookie season due to injury to step into a full-time starting role comes with obvious risks. Competition for playing time is needed.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Projecting Colts' starting defense before free agency begins
Continue reading...
