The first year of the Lou Anarumo era left plenty to be desired for the Indianapolis Colts. While they were solid against the run, they gave up the second-most passing yards per game, and they failed to put pressure on the quarterback.
General manager Chris Ballard overhauled their defense with a series of moves to bolster the pass rush, but, after watching Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt leave, there were major concerns about this team's linebacker corps.
Losing two starters could've been a catastrophe for most teams, but the Colts did a solid job of filling those voids. With a star rookie like CJ Allen, a promising prospect in Bryce Boettcher, and the recently signed Akeem Davis-Gaither, they should be more than set in 2026.
The Indianapolis Colts' new-look linebacker corps can make some noise in 2026
Frankling and Pratt were both studs at the position, but Davis-Gaither should be a seamless fit for this defense. He was Anarumo's nickel linebacker with the Cincinnati Bengals for five years, and while he's not a superstar by any means, he should be able to provide a big help in pass coverage.
Allen should wear the green dot from the very start of his pro career. He anchored things in the middle of the defense for the Georgia Bulldogs, and landing him in the middle of the second round of the draft may have been one of the biggest steals of the entire event.
He's a heat-seeking missile who's not going to miss a lot of tackles, and his defensive instincts and IQ make him a reliable defensive quarterback despite his lack of experience. He has to get better in zone coverage, but his ability against the run should fit right like a glove in Anarumo's system.
Then, there's Boettcher, a former baseball player with a chip on his shoulder the size of Indianapolis. He's still learning the ropes of the position, but his motor and athleticism are second to none, and what he lacks in size, he makes up for with unmatched effort.
Things get a bit blurry after that, given that the Colts only carried four linebackers on their initial 53-man roster in the first year of the Anarumo era. Jaylon Carlies could bring some help in coverage as a former safety, while Austin Ajiake can contribute on special teams.
Then, they also have undrafted free agents Tahj Chambers and West Weeks, though they face a steeper challenge to make the roster.
The Colts have done plenty of grocery shopping to give Coach Anarumo the pieces he needs to deploy his complex defensive system and bounce back after a somewhat disappointing first season in charge. With a revamped unit, there won't be more margin for error.
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