Our Grade Series continues with the last of the four new linebackers brought in this past off-season.
Jonathan Bostic was one of several new linebackers brought in to help fix the Colt defense. GM Chris Ballard wanted to revamp the defense in his first year as GM, and linebacker was clearly identified as an area he wanted to change.
Bostic is a relatively young player. He’s only 26, but hadn’t played in the 2016 season. The Colts are his third team in four seasons that he’s played. He has upside, which led him to be a second round pick in the 2013 draft.
How did he do in Indy though? In his first season with the Colts, he recorded a career high 97 tackles. He started in all 14 games he played in. He was one of the bright spots in the line-backing corp. His coverage skills were among the best of the corp, and he was a sure tackler.
He isn’t very deft at rushing the passer though. Bostic only recorded one sack this year. The Colts didn’t send him in on too many blitzes, however. He wasn’t one of the primary pass rushers for Indianapolis, instead opting for Jabaal Sheard or Barkevious Mingo instead.
Final Grade:
Bostic wasn’t the source of the Colts terrible defensive play. He did his job most of the time he was out on the field. The rest of the Colt defense needed to play a little better around Bostic so he could maximize his talents.
Next: Colts Rookie Class Recap: Nate Hairston
The Colts will have to decide whether or not his play warranted a contract extension, and it will be interesting to see if they keep him. If he can develop more of a pass rush, he could morph into a very good player in this league.