Colts' edge defenders listed among weakest groups entering draft

If there is one major question surrounding the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2021 NFL draft, it comes at the edge rusher position where the collective group of young pass rushers will have much to prove.

With the draft less than a month away, Pro Football Focus listed the weakest team positional groups before the big event. The Colts and their young pass rushers were featured on that list.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS’ EDGE DEFENDERS

Given Indianapolis’ salary cap situation heading into this offseason, it’s surprising the team didn’t do more than sign Isaac Rochell to address the edge defender position. Rochell brings some experience, which many of his new edge-rushing teammates lack, but he hasn’t produced at a high level when on the field for the Los Angeles Chargers over the past four years. He peaked with a 55.1 PFF grade in 2018, and his 6.6% pressure rate since 2018 ranks dead last among edge defenders with at least 500 pass-rushing snaps.

Outside of Rochell, the internal options are Ben Banogu, Tyquan Lewis and Kemoko Turay. Lewis leads the way in career NFL snaps from that group (995), but he’s earned just a 53.3 overall grade in that playing time. Turay has flashed as a pass rusher, but that’s really all he gives you. He’s also struggled to stay healthy early in his career.

It’s a group that needs some attention, whether that be in the remaining free agent pool or the 2021 NFL Draft.

There is no denying the Colts are taking a risk with their current edge rusher group. They are banking on the development of Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu while Tyquan Lewis will also see some work on the edge.

And with a draft class that is somewhat questionable when it comes to elite talent at edge rusher, the Colts find themselves in a bit of dilemma. If they come out with a prospect like Kwity Paye, the optics of the situation look much better, but there’s a chance he doesn’t make it to No. 21.

It will be interesting to see how the Colts will navigate improving their pass rush, but it is certainly their biggest need entering the draft.