The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Indianapolis Colts and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Indianapolis Colts Defense
The Colts gave up a lot of rushing yards last year (1,821 to running backs, 26th), but their per carry numbers were much better.
Indy ranked 11th in yards per carry allowed to RBs (4.2) and fifth in yards before contact allowed on those runs (0.98).
While the two guys atop the depth chart are a little older, they make up one of the better duos in the league.
DeForest Buckner logged 6.5 sacks in 2024, and Grover Stewart finished first among all qualified defensive linemen in run stuffs with 23.
They added Neville Gallimore in free agency, but there are still depth questions behind that outstanding top two.
The Colts massively overshot their expected sack total in 2023, finishing with 51 (5th) despite posting a 32.4% pressure rate (26th).
The pressure rate got worse in 2024 (29.1%), and the sacks predictably fell off a cliff.
To add some more concern, Dayo Odeyingbo left in free agency, though he had just 3 sacks with a 10% pressure rate last year.
Indy did at least try to solidify this unit in the draft last season, taking Laiatu Latu in the first round, and they added JT Tuimoloau in the second round this year.
Kwity Paye led the team with 8 sacks, and Samson Ebukam missed all of 2024 because of a training camp Achilles injury after 9.5 sacks in 2023.
Zaire Franklin is locked in atop the linebacker depth chart.
He finished second among qualified linebackers in run stuffs last season and recorded a tackle on 19.1% of his run defense snaps.
2024 fifth-round pick Jaylon Carlies got some run last season and is likely the favorite to start right now opposite Franklin, but he is unproven.
The Colts allowed 7.6 yards per attempt last season (27th) and a 5% touchdown rate (20th).
They did turn the ball over, though, recording 16 interceptions (5th).
The biggest among Indy’s many big free agent additions, Charvarius Ward joined the Colts on a three-year contract.
Ward gives new DC Lou Anarumo a true No. 1 option on the outside to pair with slot corner Kenny Moore, who should also fit in well with the new defensive coordinator.
The next spot on the depth chart is less settled.
2023 seventh-round pick Jaylon Jones was the primary option last season, but he had a bit of a tough go.
The Colts have 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents, 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley, and Samuel Womack to compete for that No. 3 job.
In addition to Ward at corner, the Colts made another big splash in the secondary, signing safety Cam Bynum to a four-year, $60 million deal.
2022 third-round pick Nick Cross will retain the other starting spot and is a good partner for Bynum, who should play more of the free safety role.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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