The Indianapolis Colts transitioned to new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this offseason. The DC has experience in the NFL, though his most recent team, the Cincinnati Bengals, was not exactly terrific in 2024. Maybe it was the scheme, but maybe it was the lack of talent on his unit.
One key to Anarumo's design is to devalue the inside linebacker group. They are there to stop the run and cover tight ends. Being used on blitzes will be less likely. Still, the group must be athletic and able to adjust as needed.
Zaire Franklin is a star, and Indy knows it can count on him. His partner as an off-ball linebacker this season will be Cameron McGrone. The backups are Joe Bachie and Segun Olubi. The Colts could do better.
The Indianapolis Colts should make a move to add Seahawks' linebacker Patrick O'Connell to the roster
No offense to Bachie, of course. He's had a good camp and preseason, and he played for the Bengals in 2024, so he knows Anarumo's system. But Indianapolis could get more athletic in the middle of the field, and signing a hidden gem that was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks might be the way to go.
Patrick O'Connell hasn't truly gotten a chance to show what he can do in the NFL. He's played a handful of games on special teams in the previous two years, but he's been solid in special teams when he has gotten linebacker reps. He is a fantastic tackler and good against the run.
Obviously, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is still trying to find the right mix at linebacker. The team is reportedly having former starter Anthony Walker, Jr. in for a visit on Thursday after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. If Indy were happy with its linebacker group, it wouldn't have Walker come in for a chat.
Though O'Connell was released by the Seahawks, and maybe he winds up on Seattle's practice squad, he would be worth picking up by the Colts. He is a nearly-perfect fit for Lou Anarumo's design. Stop the run, don't miss tackles, and provide adequate coverage: Patrick O'Connell can do all that.
And he wouldn't need to start for the Colts, either. He would be a terrific backup who can play starter snaps when needed. The Seahawks' loss should be Indianapolis' gain. He wouldn't cost very much to add to the Colts' roster, either.