Colts 2014 Positional Review: Outside Linebacker
By Evan Reller
Other Options at Outside Linebacker
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Andy Studebaker (58) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
He was the only other linebacker to receive a positive grade from PFF besides Newsome. He missed a few games this season and only recorded 202 snaps including the playoffs. He was most effective when it came to defending the run.
Studebaker is heading into his eighth year in the league so what you see is what you get. He’s a career backup and situational player. He will be a free agent and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts don’t re-sign him.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is pursued by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaun Phillips (55) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The official roster has him as an OLB, but some have him listed as a defensive end. He had just seven tackles with the Colts after being acquired in Week 12. He’s due $2,650,000in 2015 and the Colts hope he can be a situational player.
He rarely had more than 16 snaps per game and his high was against his former team with 42 snaps in Week 16 vs the Titans. Phillips didn’t really produce for the Colts or Titans this season but a full offseason with a new defensive scheme might reboot his career to some degree.
Both are listed as exclusive rights free agents in 2015. The Colts can extend them offers going forward and it wouldn’t be surprising if one or both were brought in for training camp.
The two players were both on IR before Week 2 of the season. Adongo tore a hamstring in camp and Johnson played all of five snaps against the Broncos in the season opener.
That said, both have a lot of potential and it seems likely that both will be re-signed for the league minimum. They are at the very least camp bodies who have a lot to prove and are familiar with the Colts playbook.