Through five weeks, the Indianapolis Colts defense has played with a renewed sense of energy and purpose -- playing physical and relentless football at every level.
At the center of it all is Zaire Franklin, the veteran linebacker whose leadership and consistency have quietly become the heartbeat of the unit.
Franklin isn’t a headline name across the national landscape, but inside league circles, his reputation is thought of in the highest regard.
He’s the kind of player who does everything right: communicates pre-snap, plays with outstanding effort, and brings a level of physicality that sets the tone for the entire defense.
Where would the Indianapolis Colts be without Zaire Franklin?
Whether it’s flowing sideline to sideline in pursuit, meeting a guard in the hole, or carrying a tight end up the seam, Franklin’s versatility allows him to stay on the field for all three downs -- a luxury most teams don’t have at the position.
That reliability has made him indispensable for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Colts’ scheme depends on linebackers who can play fast and think faster, and Franklin embodies both traits.
His ability to diagnose plays before they fully develop gives Indianapolis an edge against both the run and the pass. He’s not guessing -- he’s reading, reacting, and consistently putting himself in the right position to make plays.
Through five weeks, that discipline has been evident in how the Colts swarm to the football.
The defensive line has been aggressive up front, the secondary opportunistic behind them, and Franklin ties it all together. His leadership has helped young players settle into bigger roles, while his on-field presence has provided a level of stability this defense hasn’t always had.
Physically, Franklin checks every box.
He plays with a low center of gravity, explodes through contact, and rarely misses tackles. But what separates him is how balanced his game has become. He’s just as comfortable dropping into coverage as he is shooting gaps against the run.
And in a league where linebackers are often either thumpers or coverage specialists, Franklin brings both traits in one package.
It’s easy for those types of players to get overlooked. Indianapolis isn’t a major media market, and his style -- steady, dependable, and unflashy -- doesn’t always generate headlines. But inside the Colts’ locker room, his value is unquestioned. He’s the voice that sets the tempo, the presence that brings composure, and the player who keeps everything connected.
As the Colts continue to battle in a competitive AFC South, Franklin remains one of the league’s most underrated defenders -- a veteran leader in his prime, anchoring a defense that is flying around at all three levels.