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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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Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kevin Minter, Inside Linebacker Arizona Cardinals

While other big stars such as Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Chandler Jones draw the majority of the headlines on the Arizona Cardinals defense, starting inside linebacker Kevin Minter has been quietly productive over the past two seasons.

Originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals with a 2nd round pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, the 6’0″, 246 pound inside linebacker is coming off a season in which he recorded 81 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 passes defensed–making all 16 starts.

Per Pro Football Focus (subscription), he was their 25th best rated inside linebacker with a +81.0 grade overall–including a +81.3 pass coverage grade.

Additionally, via Bleacher Report’s NFL 1000, Minter was ranked as their 21st best inside linebacker with an overall grade of 71.7.

As mentioned, having lost two of their longtime starters at inside linebacker in as many seasons, the Colts could clearly use an impact replacement for the middle of their defense.

Minter would represent a cheaper alternative than say New England Patriots inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower. The difference between Hodges and him appears to be that Minter is much more adept in pass coverage, while the former is much more effective against the run.

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