Who is the Colts’ Best Defensive Lineman?
By Ryan Stano
The Colts are switching schemes to a 4-3 base, and that means a lot of players are switching positions. With that in mind, who is the best defensive lineman on the roster?
Along the defensive line, there will be many changes. A lot of players who played linebacker last year have switched over to the defensive end position. That should give the Colts more versatility in rushing the passer, but it remains to be seen if that makes them better. So who is the best lineman?
Hassan Ridgeway is a good place to start. He is a big defensive tackle who will be used up the middle to plug up running holes. He has improved every season since he has been in the league. The Colts need him to continue to do so, as they have to stop the run for the last ten years.
Al Woods will be paired up with Ridgeway at the defensive tackle position. He is a veteran who is well respected in the locker room. He was brought in to help stop the run as well, and pushing back lineman into the face of the quarterback.
Jabaal Sheard was the Colts best pass rusher last season as a linebacker. Now he moves into the defensive end position. That will be the main thing he is asked to do. He could have a monster impact on the outside rushing the passer not having to coverages.
The best defensive lineman on the roster is probably Ridgeway because of his versatility. Not only can he stop the run, but he can get after the quarterback as well. Sheard has the chance to be better than him, but switching positions will be an adjustment for him.
Next: Who is the Colts' best Linebacker?
The Colts need a strong interior line. Strength in the trenches is a big part of what Frank Reich wants to build. They need to live up to that identity.