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Colts Could Consider these Top 7 ‘Under the Radar’ Free Agents

By Luke Schultheis

Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) celebrates a play during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) celebrates a play during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Gerald Hodges, Jr., Inside Linebacker San Francisco 49ers

Initially drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Gerald Hodges seemingly hit his stride for the San Francisco 49ers this past season following a 2015 trade.

The 6’2″, 236 pound inside linebacker recorded 83 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions in 15 games (12 starts)–finishing 2nd on the team in total tackles.

Like Addison, he was also among Pro Football Focus’ ‘10 under-the-radar players about to hit free agency‘:

"“A good run defender and an effective pass-rusher, Hodges’ 9.3 run-stop percentage ranked 13th among linebackers, while his 16.4 pass-rushing productivity mark was 10th-best. His improved coverage in 2016 is what boosted his overall grade, as he allowed a passer rating of 87.3 after surrendering a 125.5 mark in 2015, and 114.3 in 2014. Hodges’ versatility should make him a solid option for any team in free agency.”"

Specifically per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Hodges was their 21st best rated linebacker with a +82.4 grade overall.

That being said, Hodges may be suited more as a situational run stopping inside linebacker, who may need to be subbed out on obvious passing downs:

The Colts just struggled with a similar ‘run-oriented’ inside linebacker, veteran D’Qwell Jackson–who was recently released, and was much maligned by the fanbase for being slow-footed in coverage.

From that perspective, Hodges may not make as much sense.

However, Hodges grades out much more favorably than Jackson did this past season for the Colts and could be a much cheaper alternative to New England Patriots highly touted free agent inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower–who also plays much better in-the-box than in space.

The Colts clearly need an impact inside linebacker, as the team struggled replacing departed starter Jerrell Freeman last season and just released the veteran Jackson as mentioned–meaning there’s some big holes to fill in the middle of their defense.

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