Colts: Assessing every defensive position group for 2020
Colts Linebacker Group Outlook
2019 LB Group
LB: Darius Leonard
LB: Anthony Walker Jr.
MLB: Bobby Okereke (R)
2020 LB Group
LB: Darius Leonard
LB: Anthony Walker Jr.
MLB: Bobby Okereke
The linebacker group was the lone bright spot on defense last year. Darius Leonard was selected to his 1st Pro Bowl after totaling 121 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 interceptions (1 TD), 2 FF, and 7 TFL. Kind in mind, Leonard only played 13 games due to injury, missing Weeks 3-5. This incredible season came off of the heels of his even better All-Pro rookie season, where he totaled a league-high 163 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
Whenever Leonard wasn’t on the field, Anthony Walker filled in the gaps. He, like Leonard, is a tackle machine. Both players have reached the 100-tackle threshold in the two years they’ve been playing together. Walker compiled 105 and 124 in 2018 and 2019. This past ear was the best year of his career; he became a 16-game starter next to Leonard and recorded an interception and 2.5 sacks while appearing in every game.
Bobby Okereke was a nice surprise on defense and looks to be the third starting linebacker for the foreseeable future. He played well against the pass and contributed enough in the run defense to give him the starting role by Week 3.
Okereke plays well as a third tackle machine but will need ot step up his game in getting to the QB and forcing turnovers if he’s to make a big sophomore leap in 2020.
The trio of Leonard, Walker, and Okereke is a dangerous group for this upcoming season. All three have the potential to record 100-tackle seasons and all have varying abilities stopping the run and forcing turnovers. They’re one of the best young trios in the NFL and could be a large part of the team’s major improvements on defense if their development goes the way it has been.
The verdict: No change (projected improvement)