Linebacker isn't discussed as much as the other positional needs that the Indianapolis Colts have, but it's a fairly big one.
With EJ Speed signing with the Houston Texans and Grant Stuard heading to Detroit, depth--both on defense and in regards to special teams help--is a need. But more importantly, the Colts have to find a new running mate to pair with Zaire Franklin.
Now, perhaps the Colts don't have to look too far as that player may already be on the roster in second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who GM Chris Ballard thinks highly of.
"We think a lot of JC," Ballard said, via the team site. "We've had a lot of success at linebacker, I believe, with drafting and players we've brought in that we think can ascend. We think JC can really ascend. We have some young players that we like and then we got the draft. We'll work through it."
Carlies was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2024 out of Missouri, where he played safety. With Indianapolis, he transitioned to linebacker and brings some needed coverage ability to the position.
When the Colts' linebacker unit was healthy, Carlies was the third linebacker, alongside of Franklin and Speed, when the team lined up in its base 4-3 look.
Carlies would miss some time due to injury, but appeared in 10 games on defense. He was a sound tackler, making 34 of his 38 attempts, according to PFF, and limited pass-catchers in coverage, holding opponents to just 6.0 yards per catch.
The Colts have a strong track record of drafting and developing the linebacker position. But with that said, even if they really like Carlies, there should be a competition for that starting spot.
While the hope is that Carlies can be that player, assuming that will happen comes with risks. It's that same line of thinking that Ballard made previously at other positions that landed the Colts in the roster predicament that they found themselves in during the 2024 season, where the team as a whole regressed.
Unfortunately, the general consensus seems to be that this year's draft class at the linebacker position isn't all that deep, but here are some early-round options for the Colts if they choose to go that route.
Whether it be Carlies or whoever the Colts might bring in, added coverage ability should be on Ballard's radar, not to mention that versatility at the second and third levels is an important element to Lou Anarumo's scheme.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire:
