The Indianapolis Colts have spent the last few seasons searching for more juice at the second level of their defense -- players who can run, hit, and contribute across multiple phases without needing to come off the field.
And while the league often chases size and testing numbers at the position, Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis is the type of prospect who reminds evaluators that the old eye test still matters.
Undersized by NFL standards (verified 5-foot-11, 224 lbs), Louis isn’t expected to turn heads at the combine with elite measurements or testing; that reality would likely push him into the late third- or fourth-round range. But what he lacks in prototype dimensions, he makes up for with instincts, physicality, and an all-gas playing style that shows up on every rep.
Kyle Louis might be exactly what the Indianapolis Colts need in the 2026 NFL draft
Simply put, he's a ballplayer — decisive, aggressive, and comfortable playing in traffic.
One of Louis’ biggest selling points is his ability as a blitzer. He times the snap well, accelerates quickly through gaps, and finishes with bad intentions when he gets home.
At the Senior Bowl, that trait has translated cleanly against NFL-caliber offensive linemen, especially when he’s used as an extra rusher rather than a traditional stack-and-shed linebacker. For a Colts defense that values pressure packages and second-level disruption, Louis offers immediate sub-package value.
Against the run, Louis is a dynamic athlete who is as good a read-and-react LB in the class. He triggers downhill without hesitation, squares up ball carriers, and consistently finishes tackles.
There’s no wasted movement in his game, and he understands how to slip blocks rather than take them head-on. Efficiency allows him to play above his weight class and hold up in early-down situations.
But as you project his role for Indy, special teams may be where Louis earns his quickest path to snaps. He flies downfield, takes smart angles, and embraces contact -- traits that coordinators trust immediately. And for a Colts roster that often leans on rookies and young players to contribute on special teams, Louis checks a critical box.
Through the first portion of Senior Bowl week, he’s looked like one of the steadiest linebackers in attendance, reinforcing his status as one of the country’s more underrated defenders.
And while he won't be the flashiest name in the class, the Pitt product is exactly the kind of multi-phase contributor that helps teams win on Sundays, where his early success on teams could pave the way for a substantial role at 'backer in his rookie campaign.