Second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies is poised for a significant role in the Indianapolis Colts' defense as the team seeks to fill gaps left by departures. General Manager Chris Ballard has high hopes for Carlies, who transitioned from safety to linebacker and showcased impressive tackling skills last season.

Despite facing injuries that limited his appearances, Carlies recorded a remarkable 34 tackles out of 38 attempts, demonstrating strong coverage capabilities. With the Colts lacking depth at linebacker, Carlies' development could be pivotal for their defensive strategy, complementing Zaire Franklin and potentially alleviating concerns about the upcoming draft.

The Indianapolis Colts are eyeing a promising draft strategy that revolves around bolstering their defense significantly in the upcoming NFL draft. According to Chad Reuter of NFL.com, the Colts' ideal selections at picks 14 and 45 would center on linebacker Jihaad Campbell from Alabama and Oregon edge defender Jordan Burch, respectively. Campbell, who is touted as the top linebacker in this draft, presents a versatile skill set that includes run defense, coverage, and pass rushing, which would seamlessly fit into the team’s defensive scheme.

With E.J. Speed's departure, Campbell would start alongside Zaire Franklin, enhancing the linebacker corps that has high expectations following a breakout season from Franklin. The Colts also need to consider the future, particularly with several current defensive linemen heading into free agency in the next couple of years. Burch's track record, averaging 33 pressures per year while also excelling in run defense metrics, makes him a prime candidate for depth at the edge position, further solidifying a defense aiming to make a substantial impact.

The Indianapolis Colts are exploring linebacker options for the upcoming NFL draft, with UCLA's Carson Schwesinger emerging as a potential pick. Schwesinger's performance indicates he could address a critical need for the Colts at linebacker, especially after losing EJ Speed and Grant Stuard in free agency. With 133 out of 144 tackle attempts converted last season and experience in special teams, his instincts and tackling aggression make him an appealing choice to line up alongside Zaire Franklin.

Draft analyst Jordan Reid points out Schwesinger's trajectory from special teams ace to starter, emphasizing his readiness for the NFL. However, competition will be fierce as the Colts also consider other prospects like Jaylon Carlies, who offers a different skill set. The Colts are in a position where they need to solidify their linebacker depth, and the draft will be pivotal in determining their future defensive alignment.

The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft with critical needs at multiple positions. The tight end position stands out, as the Colts require not only depth but also a more significant pass-catching threat; last season's group managed a mere 467 yards combined. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has graded the tight end class at a solid B, suggesting a good mix of talent that could help the Colts enhance their aerial attack.

On the offensive line, while the starters may already be on the roster, depth is a concern, particularly with Ryan Kelly's departure. PFF rates the interior offensive line at C and tackle positions at B-, indicating room for improvement. Meanwhile, the defensive line boasts impressive grades from PFF at A for both the interior and edge positions, making it a focal point for the Colts as they look to bolster their defense.

At linebacker, however, PFF has given the group a troubling D grade, categorizing it as the weakest among this draft's classes, further complicating the Colts’ strategy. The Colts aim to address these gaps effectively while factoring in the depth available at each position.

EJ Speed, former linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, has signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Houston Texans, keeping him within the AFC South. This move brings a significant change to the Colts' defensive lineup as they will be seeking a new starting linebacker alongside Zaire Franklin in the 2025 season. Speed's tenure with the Colts began as a fifth-round draft pick in 2019, where he first made his mark on special teams before stepping up as a full-time starter in 2024. His performance saw an increase in completion rate allowed, which will need addressing as the Colts head into the draft to bolster their linebacker depth.