The Indianapolis Colts already had an offensive-minded head coach in Shane Steichen, so it only made sense that they went after a defensive guru to take care of business on the other side of the field.
Lou Anarumo has earned a reputation as a defensive mad scientist. However, in reality, he's had mixed results with his complex defensive schemes, and it seems analysts aren't particularly impressed by his performance so far.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report just ranked every defense after the NFL Draft, and the Colts are sitting in the 23rd spot. Even worse, they'll have to face two top-10 defenses in the Jacksonville Jaguars (10) and Houston Texans (1) twice a year.
The Indianapolis Colts need to add more firepower to the defense
"The Colts have concerns heading into 2026 as well. Last year's two leading tacklers (linebacker Zaire Franklin and safety Nick Cross) are both gone, set to be replaced by a pair of rookies in CJ Allen and AJ Haulcy. The team also lost edge-rusher Kwity Paye, and Arden Key is a sizable downgrade," Davenport argued.
As he pointed out, the Colts were 29th in total defense last season. Of course, losing Sauce Gardner for the final stretch of the campaign took a toll on them, and their defensive backfield looks solid even without Kenny Moore II, but this team should still look to make some moves.
The Colts' defensive line leaves plenty to be desired. Outside of DeForest Buckner and Laitau Latu, they don't have any bona fide players who can put pressure at the line of scrimmage or single-handedly take over a game. That's going to be tough against some high-octane offenses like the Jaguars and the new-look Tennessee Titans.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard has done some grocery shopping, once again reuniting Anarumo with some of his former guys. Not only may that not be enough, but it only puts more pressure on the defensive coordinator to deliver in his second year in charge.
This team did a great job of adding talent on that side of the field in the NFL Draft, but banking all hopes on unproven players has rarely worked out. Moreover, most of their Day 3 selections are developmental guys who may not be ready to make an impact right out of the gate.
All things considered, Ballard, Steichen, Anarumo, and even Daniel Jones will be in the spotlight from day one, and they may all lose their jobs if things don't go as expected. As such, they can't afford not to make some moves.
There are still plenty of suitable options in the pass-rushing department, with veterans like Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Cameron Jordan, A.J. Epenesa, D.J. Reader, or even Von Miller still available. The ball is in the Colts' court, and staying put will only mean staying behind in the division.
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