Examining the Colts defense in the second part of this series
Last month, I graded the Colts’ offense after the draft and where they were strong and weak. A month later, we’re going to do the same with the defense.
With regards to the grading, we’ll look at the health of each group and the grades are as follows:
- A+/A/A- — Exceptional to above average
- B+/B/B- — Slightly above average to average
- C+/C/C- — Below average to pretty bad
- D+/D/D- — Poor to very bad
- F — Fail… terrible
Defensive Line
Starting 5-Techs/Defensive Ends: Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye
Starting 1-Tech/Nose Tackle: Grover Stewart
Starting 3-Tech/Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner
Defensive End Backups: Laiatu Latu, Dayo Odeyingbo
Defensive Tackle Backups: Raekwon Davis, Eric Johnson
Defensive End Depth: Tyquan Lewis, Genard Avery, Titus Leo, Isaiah Land
Defensive Tackle Depth: Taven Bryan, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Isaiah Coe, Jonah Laulu
You can’t ask for a better defensive line than the Colts. Of course there are teams with superstar edge rushers that can get 20 sacks in a season, but this group was 5th in the NFL last season with 51 sacks and the addition of Latu only makes them stronger. It is very much a unit that succeeds because of the sum of its parts.
In my opinion, DeForest Buckner should’ve been an All Pro last year. He’s a dominant player on all 3 downs, has good position versatility and the front is not the same without him. Having him in the middle of his prime bolsters the entire group.
The depth at defensive end is fantastic and the Colts have 5 legitimate pass rushers who can have impacts on any given play. While they still don’t have a superstar (yet), the depth and general skill of the core is so strong that it gives the Colts one of the strongest edge groups in the NFL.
There is an argument that the Colts have one of the best defensive line units in the NFL with regards to talent and youth.
Grade: A+
Linebackers
Starting MIKE: Zaire Franklin
Starting WILL: EJ Speed
Backups: Ronnie Harrison Jr, Segun Olubi
Depth: Jaylon Carlies, Grant Stuard, Cameron McGrone, Liam Anderson, Craig Young, Austin Ajiake
With the evolution of today’s game, we see a lot less of 4-3-4 and a lot more of 4-2-5. The Colts currently have two very solid starting linebackers, especially Zaire Franklin.
Franklin is a legit borderline Pro Bowl linebacker who is a reliable tackler who cleans up a ton of plays. EJ Speed is a great complimentary piece to him and should more than handle his own as a full 17-game 75%+ snap a game guy.
The depth is a little think but Ronnie Harrison is a versatile player who can provide good support in coverage as well as be a good thumper in the box. After him, there isn’t much to write home about, but the development of the Colts linebacker group has been great and Franklin and Speed were mid round picks, so that’s encouraging.
The current starters are relatively young guys who should be around for at least a few more years. That alone is worthy of an above average grade.
Grade: A-
Cornerbacks
Starting Cornerbacks: JuJu Brents, Dallis Flowers
Starting Nickel: Kenny Moore
#4/Backup Cornerback: Jaylon Jones
Depth: Jaylin Simpson, Darrell Baker Jr, Chris Lammons, Micah Abraham, Ameer Speed
The entire unit comes down to Juju Brents and he’s why. Kenny Moore is an incredible nickel cornerback and that has always been the case. Dallis Flowers proved last year to be a great complimentary #2 cornerback who plays pretty well in the Colts Cover 3 base system. The hole is the #1 cornerback who the Colts can rely upon to consistently play against top receivers. If Brents is that guy, then this unit can surprise a lot of people. If he’s not, then I expect this unit to have its fair share of trouble. Brents certainly fits the prototype of the modern day cornerback with great size and length and hopefully the Colts find ways to use those physical gifts more.
As for depth, Jones is capable and Baker could be ok, but there isn’t too much depth or legit NFL talents on the roster.
Overall, the young talent combined with Kenny Moore is very encouraging. While there is some unknown with Flowers and Brents, I’d still say this group is in good shape due to the good mix of youth and established talent.
Grade: B
Safeties
Starting Free Safety: Nick Cross
Starting Strong Safety: Julian Blackmon
Free Safety Backup: Rodney Thomas
Strong Safety Backup: Daniel Scott
Depth: Trevor Denbow, Michael Tutsie, Kendell Brooks, Marcell Dabo
There are a lot of questions marks surrounding the safety group. On paper, it’s a more than capable unit. Blackmon is the only real reliable piece; the only player who you know what you’re getting from. He’s competent and won’t kill you, but he’s not making any Pro Bowls any time soon. Nick Cross is a real wild card; in his short time in the NFL, he has flashed some incredible potential and could be a star. It’s tough to say how good those two will be together, but you’d have to imagine they won’t be too bad if healthy.
Rodney Thomas is a versatile backup who can play either spot and has flashed some great play, but also some very bad play and last year was a down year for him. For the rest of the group, there isn’t much depth or anyone reliable, so the health of the top guys is crucial.
Overall, this group is average by most measures, but the upside is there and encouraging.
Grade: B-