Arguably the weakest position group on the defensive side of the ball, Indy’s linebacker corps is the biggest unknown on the roster.
Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts have once again turned the page regarding their starting linebacker corps of the future. With new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s schematic preference to replace a linebacker with a slot cornerback for his base defense, fewer opportunities will be had for the room.
Under Gus Bradley, the Colts’ defense trotted out just two linebackers around 75% of the time, with the remainder featuring a third, SAM linebacker. Whereas under Lou Anarumo, Indy will likely feature two linebackers upwards of 90% of the time, a calculated effort to get more defensive backs — typically a third safety or nickel corner — filling the void.
With Anarumo, there will be plenty of three-safety sets that see safety Nick Cross or even rookie S/LB Hunter Wohler sliding down in the box. Although not linebackers by definition, by nature they’ll be; therefore, this should be considered when projecting the ceiling and floor of Indy’s linebacker room heading into the season.
Projected Starters
Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies
While second-year LB Jaylon Carlies is currently slotted as the running mate alongside him, 2nd Team All-Pro and Team Captain Zaire Franklin is the only linebacker who is guaranteed a starting spot heading into training camp. Carlies started six games as a rookie in 2024 and proved to be a viable option out of the gate.
Both Franklin (ankle procedure) and Carlies (shoulder surgery) were unavailable for Indy’s offseason program because they were still recovering from their injuries sustained in the 2024 season. Even if they both return to camp fully healthy, the depth chart below them raises concern if either were to miss time this season.
Health barring, this projected duo has the potential to blossom into a real threat from the middle of the field. Franklin has proven to be one of the NFL’s best as a run-stopper and blitzer, while Carlies flashed as a legitimate coverage backer in the league. Despite the unknown surrounding Carlies as an NFL player, durability remains the biggest concern for this duo. Training camp will be the first time we’ll see Franklin/Carlies work in tandem as slated starters for this Colts defense.
Backups/Rotational
Joe Bachie, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone
All three of Bachie, Olubi, and McGrone have proven themselves as capable NFL players in the league thus far. However, each has been regulated to a specific role during that time.
Joe Bachie was the only player who followed new DC Lou Anarumo to the Colts this offseason. Although a career backup during his time under Anarumo, this opportunity in Indianapolis allows Bachie to slot in as Zaire Franklin’s primary backup at MLB. Playing under Anarumo’s system for the past four seasons, Bachie projects as the second unit’s play caller due to his experience and comfort level in the system.
Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone have spent the entirety of their short careers thus far in Indianapolis and now look to bolster the second unit on defense as well as maintain their roles as crucial special teams contributors.
Fringe Active Roster/Practice Squad
Jacob Phillips, Solomon DeShields, Liam Anderson, Austin Ajiake
A former third-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, Jacob Phillips provides the biggest case of ‘low-risk, high-reward’ scenario amongst all Colts linebackers. He started 8 of his first 20 games played in the NFL but hasn’t logged a snap in the NFL since the 2022 season. A member of the Colts’ practice squad since 2024, Phillips now has more of a shot to make the active roster since his time in Cleveland.
An undrafted free agent from the 2025 draft class, Solomon DeShields is an intriguing option for the third unit’s WILL linebacker. Although there aren’t many expectations surrounding DeShields heading into training camp, his makeup as a young and hungry, athletic linebacker who (coincidentally) reps 53 and sports long arms is an intriguing storyline to follow.
Liam Anderson and Austin Ajiake have been practice squad mainstays over the past two seasons and now, like the others in this group, can make a name for themselves. Only Anderson has seen playing time between the two, exclusively on special teams, but a strong training camp could prove fruitful for both players.