5 Colts Undrafted Free Agents Who Should Make The Team
Nov 11, 2014; DeKalb, IL, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies running back Cameron Stingily (42) dives over Toledo Rockets linebacker Junior Sylvestre (33) during the second half at Huskie Stadium. Northern Illinois Huskies defeat the Toledo Rockets 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Junior Sylvestre: Inside Linebacker, Toledo
The 6’0″, 233 pound Sylvestre is a bit undersized for an inside linebacker, especially for a 3-4 defense like the Colts. However, simply put, he’s a speedy tackling machine. Last season for the Rockets, Junior Sylvestre had 100 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 games. He earned 1st-Team All-Mac Honors for the 2nd consecutive year.
After a strong pro day performance, in which he ran a 4.53 forty yard dash, he drew the eye of NFLDraftScout’s Matt Miller:
I am officially intrigued by LB Junior Sylvestre. 4.45 from scouts at his Pro Day, smaller guy who can move.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 18, 2015
While the Colts “Big 3” at inside linebacker of D’Qwell Jackson, Jerrell Freeman, and Nate Irving is settled, the team could use some additional depth behind them, especially with Irving’s early season availability still in question as he rehabs from a torn ACL.
The team did draft Georgia inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera in the 6th round of this year’s draft, but with backup Josh McNary‘s football future with the Colts in possible jeopardy facing disturbing off-the-field charges, there still figures to be a spot or two left open on the depth chart. Sylvestre will likely compete with two returning inside linebackers in Henoc Muamba and Shawn Loiseau for such a spot.