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The Indianapolis Colts have lost two key contributors at the linebacker position this offseason. So now, with the NFL draft on the horizon, what does the depth chart at this position group currently look like?
Early on in free agency, Grant Stuard would sign with the Detroit Lions. Then, recently, EJ Speed signed with the Houston Texans.
Stuard has been a core special teams contributor during his time with the Colts and also filled the strongside linebacker role when the defense was lined up in their base 4-3 look while Jaylon Carlies was sidelined.
Speed, meanwhile, was the starting nickel linebacker next to Zaire Franklin last season.
Without those two on the team, the need at linebacker for the Colts is twofold. For one, they need depth, but they also have to find a new starter to line up next to Franklin.
Perhaps Carlies can fill this role. As a former college safety, he brings a needed coverage ability to the position and performed well when called upon as a rookie. However, GM Chris Ballard shouldn't assume that he can step into that role seamlessly either, and there should be a competition for that playing time.
If the Colts want to add to this position in free agency, some of the top options out there include CJ Mosley, Isaiah Simmons, Kyzir White, and Eric Kendricks. The draft, of course, is another option, however, the depth of this year's class at this position doesn't seem to be very strong.
Linebacker hasn't garnered a ton of attention this offseason for the Colts, but as of now, it is one of the larger needs that the team has.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 2025 roster: LB depth chart after EJ Speed signs with Texans
Continue reading...
Early on in free agency, Grant Stuard would sign with the Detroit Lions. Then, recently, EJ Speed signed with the Houston Texans.
Stuard has been a core special teams contributor during his time with the Colts and also filled the strongside linebacker role when the defense was lined up in their base 4-3 look while Jaylon Carlies was sidelined.
Speed, meanwhile, was the starting nickel linebacker next to Zaire Franklin last season.
Without those two on the team, the need at linebacker for the Colts is twofold. For one, they need depth, but they also have to find a new starter to line up next to Franklin.
Perhaps Carlies can fill this role. As a former college safety, he brings a needed coverage ability to the position and performed well when called upon as a rookie. However, GM Chris Ballard shouldn't assume that he can step into that role seamlessly either, and there should be a competition for that playing time.
If the Colts want to add to this position in free agency, some of the top options out there include CJ Mosley, Isaiah Simmons, Kyzir White, and Eric Kendricks. The draft, of course, is another option, however, the depth of this year's class at this position doesn't seem to be very strong.
Linebacker hasn't garnered a ton of attention this offseason for the Colts, but as of now, it is one of the larger needs that the team has.
Colts linebacker depth chart
- Zaire Franklin
- Jaylon Carlies
- Segun Olubi
- Cameron McGrone
- Liam Anderson
- Austin Ajiake
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 2025 roster: LB depth chart after EJ Speed signs with Texans
Continue reading...
