Both sides of the Colts defensive front have competition for a potential new pecking order. On one side, a former Colts sack leader makes his return to try to reclaim his spot. On the other, a brand new 2nd Round rookie enters the fray to challenge a Colts veteran on the last year of his deal.
Pass Rushing Defensive End: Laiatu Latu VS Samson Ebukam VS Tyquan Lewis
2024 1st Round Pick Laiatu Latu will have to compete against the Colts 2023 sack leader returning from an Achilles tear last July as well as longtime Colt Tyquan Lewis for snaps as the more pass rush focused Defensive End in Lou’s scheme. While Anarumo likely will mix with his rotation of 5 different Edges (perhaps even having Defensive Tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore play End at times), he loves to know he has a top pass rusher he can rely upon for a large snap count.
Latu might remind the former Bengals DC of his top pass rusher in Cincinnati, as both Latu and Trey Hendrickson have very similar athletic profiles and skill-sets coming out of college. Continuing to develop College Football’s all time leader in Pass Rush Win % will be of the utmost importance for the future of the Colts Defense. As a rookie, Laiatu showed some promise of his skillset translating well in the NFL.
- 38 Pressures
- 4 Sacks
- 14% Pass Rush Win%
Laiatu Latu had just 4 sacks last season but he had so many other opportunities for more. Really needs to at least disrupt the QB a bit more on opportunities like this next year pic.twitter.com/HLdsrXq2S9
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) May 8, 2025
If he can convert more of his pressures into sacks in year 2, we may see an even more disruptive season for the former Bruin.
When Shane Steichen was asked what he was most excited about seeing from his new Defensive Coordinator at the NFL Combine, he name dropped unprompted that he believed Ebukam would have a big impact with Anarumo. A strong endorsement from Head Coach aside, Ebukam was coming off of a very strong season in 2023 prior to his injury.
- 48 Pressures
- 9.5 Sacks
- 14.4% Pass Rush Win%
The CLOSER! Samson Ebukam!
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) November 26, 2023
The big question is will Ebukam be back to full speed and bend when the season begins? It will be 14 month removed from his Achilles tear, which does make those odds more promising than a mid-season tear.
The darkhorse in the pass rushing end competition is Tyquan Lewis, the 2018 late 2nd Round pick who has stuck around for 7 seasons with the Colts. Lewis has had an up and down career with the Colts, with some devastating injuries in the past. However he remained largely healthy the last 2 years, although with very different results as a pass rusher in that span. His pressures, sacks, and pass rush win rate all took a hit from 2023 to 2024 as he took on a smaller role last season.
- 44 Pressures | 17 Pressures
- 4 Sacks | 1.5 Sacks
- 17.1% Pass Rush Win % | 10.1% Pass Rush Win %
Tyquan Lewis may have been the best player on the entire field for both teams yesterday. Absolutely wrecked things. pic.twitter.com/32bojWh3gC
— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) August 12, 2024
Could he have a bounce back season in a new scheme? Time will tell for the 30 year old former Buckeye.
Pre-Camp Favorite: Samson Ebukam
Edge Setting Defensive End: Kwity Paye VS JT Tuimoloau
The Colts lost the versatile 2021 2nd Round pick Dayo Odeyingbo in Free Agency to the Chicago Bears, but added JT Tuimoloau in the 2nd Round this year to help replace him. He should challenge the incumbent run stuffing Defensive End Kwity Paye for snaps as the top Edge Setter on the Colts.
Paye is entering the final year of his rookie deal via his 5th year option. He has shown strong run stuffing ability over the last 3 years, recording 28 Stops every year and grading from 67.14 to 78.1 in Run Defense per PFF. He sets a hard edge and sheds blockers well in the run game. Unfortunately he has yet to truly break out as the consistent pass rusher he was expected to become after being selected 21st Overall in 2021.
A must-stop for the Indy defense after Anthony Richardson’s second INT.
Got them in a 3rd-and-11. Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye get quick pressure on Drake Maye to push him up into Nick Cross for the sack to force the three-and-out to set up the game-winning drive. pic.twitter.com/TZj6o3v0QE
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) December 3, 2024
While Paye’s sacks have improved from 10.5 his first 2 years to 16.5 in his last 2 years, he has never had a pressure rate over 10% in his career and his pass rush win percentage has gone down every year of his career (12.3%, 10.7%, 10.4%, and 9.6% from 2021-2024). He is efficient at finishing his pressures, but doesn’t get them at more than an average rate. Still, he’s a solid player in his role despite the higher expectations of being a 1st Round Pick.
JT Tuimoloau was considered one of the higher floor and safer prospects of the draft. A staple of the Ohio State’s vaunted Defensive line, the former 4th ranked prospect of the 2021 recruiting class built himself from an exciting rotational freshman into a reliable 3 year starter. His collegiate career culminated in a very strong finish, with his power rush dominating the College Football Playoffs with 6.5 sacks in 4 games against top competition.
.@Colts @OhioStateFB @JT_Tuimoloau is a big and strong and solid 4-3 DE that has everything it takes to be as good as he wants. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/IeqFoB6hVv
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 26, 2025
Tuimoloau wins with power, length, and effort; all of which was reflected in his 7th best Run Defense Grade amongst all FBS Defensive Ends and his ability to move along the line. He still needs to develop more counters and isn’t the most bendy edge rusher, so most expect he won’t be a top end pass rusher as a pro. But should he provide strong run defense and adequate pass rush, he could carve out a long career in the NFL.
Expect a close competition between the veteran and the rookie.
Pre Camp Favorite: Kwity Paye