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ESPN's Ben Solak detailed how all 32 NFL teams can "crush" their picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Part of that equation for the Indianapolis Colts was adding a defensive end on Day 2.
Naturally, on Day 1 of the draft, Solak mentioned the Colts adding one of Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland at the tight end position. But in Rounds 2 and 3, Solak brought up adding to the pass rusher position, along with bolstering the offensive line.
For the 2025 season, the Colts have a strong foundation at defensive end. However, after losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to Chicago, the depth at this position did take a hit.
In addition to that, Odeyingbo played over 700 defensive snaps and led the team in pressures in 2024. So that's a lot of snaps and production that now have to be replaced. Doing so is going to be a group effort, but a Year 2 jump from Laiatu Latu and getting Samson Ebukam back are going to have to be the catalysts.
But going beyond 2025, because after all, the draft is about planning ahead, Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Ebukam are all free agents in 2026.
As far as options on Day 2 of the draft that Solak likes for the Colts, he mentioned Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. and Arkansas' Landon Jackson.
"I could see the Colts snagging James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) if he falls out of Round 1, which is looking increasingly likely," Solak wrote. "Landon Jackson (Arkansas), who tested out of this world, also strikes me as a good developmental edge prospect for Indianapolis."
Last season, the Colts' defense ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks. They need more disruption up front in 2025, and helping the defense accomplish that should be the addition of Lou Anarumo and his more aggressive scheme.
In part, the Colts' lack of pass rush production in 2024 was due to opposing offenses' attacking the space in the secondary through the quick passing game, which made getting home difficult.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Pair of Day 2 DE prospects for Colts
Continue reading...
Naturally, on Day 1 of the draft, Solak mentioned the Colts adding one of Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland at the tight end position. But in Rounds 2 and 3, Solak brought up adding to the pass rusher position, along with bolstering the offensive line.
For the 2025 season, the Colts have a strong foundation at defensive end. However, after losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to Chicago, the depth at this position did take a hit.
In addition to that, Odeyingbo played over 700 defensive snaps and led the team in pressures in 2024. So that's a lot of snaps and production that now have to be replaced. Doing so is going to be a group effort, but a Year 2 jump from Laiatu Latu and getting Samson Ebukam back are going to have to be the catalysts.
But going beyond 2025, because after all, the draft is about planning ahead, Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Ebukam are all free agents in 2026.
As far as options on Day 2 of the draft that Solak likes for the Colts, he mentioned Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. and Arkansas' Landon Jackson.
"I could see the Colts snagging James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) if he falls out of Round 1, which is looking increasingly likely," Solak wrote. "Landon Jackson (Arkansas), who tested out of this world, also strikes me as a good developmental edge prospect for Indianapolis."
Last season, the Colts' defense ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks. They need more disruption up front in 2025, and helping the defense accomplish that should be the addition of Lou Anarumo and his more aggressive scheme.
In part, the Colts' lack of pass rush production in 2024 was due to opposing offenses' attacking the space in the secondary through the quick passing game, which made getting home difficult.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Pair of Day 2 DE prospects for Colts
Continue reading...
