ESPN put together its ranking of all 32 linebacker units ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Where did the Colts end up on this list?
Leading the way at linebacker for the Colts are Zaire Franklin, who signed an extension earlier in the offseason, and EJ Speed. Together, the two form a sound linebacker duo against the run but one that was limited against the pass and in their ability to create turnovers. The Colts linebackers should benefit greatly from a stout defensive front that will keep them clean to make plays. Franklin would go on to total 176 tackles last season, according to PFF, and Speed 102.
“Obviously, I know what he’s capable of doing,” Franklin said about playing with Speed. “We’ve been at it together for a long time. Obviously, our energy together, our chemistry together is easy to see out there on the field – just being able to feed off each other.
“I told him, ‘I haven’t played next to somebody like that in a long time.’ Just with his capability of just maintaining that intensity, playmaking and just be out there and having fun together. So, it was great just to be able to experience that. I love the plays that he makes and love what he brings to the defense as well. I look forward to getting back out there with him.”
Fifth-round pick and converted safety Jaylon Carlies could provide a good complement to Franklin and Speed with the added coverage ability he brings to the linebacker position for the Colts–although how big his role is as a rookie remains to be seen.
Grant Stuard and Segun Olubi have been core members of the special teams unit. The Colts also have Ronnie Harrison, who like Carlies, could earn snaps in dime or as a big nickel coverage defender.
Now, on to ESPN’s rankings–here is where the Colts’ linebackers rank among the rest of the NFL:
Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Cedric Gray, Otis Reese, Garret Wallow
Denzel Perryman, Nick Niemann, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye
Devin White, Nakobe Dean, Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr
Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson
Kyzir White, Krys Barnes, Mack Wilson, Owen Pappoe, Markus Bailey
Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, Segun Olubi, Grant Stuard, Jaylon Carlies
Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad, Durell Nchami
Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark, Markquese Bell, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau
Ivan Pace Jr., Blake Cashman, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Brian Asamoah, Abraham Beauplan
Lavonte David, K.J. Britt, SirVocea Dennis, J.J. Russell, Vi Jones
Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jake Hummel, Olakunle Fatukasi
Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, Del’Shawn Phillips, Jake Hansen
Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo, Luke Masterson, Amari Burney, Tommy Eichenberg
Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand, Milo Eifler
Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Isaiah Simmons, Matthew Adams, Darius Muasau
Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., Duke Riley, Anthony Walker, Channing Tindall
Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Chris Board, Josh Ross, Deion Jennings
Jerome Baker, Tyrel Dodson, Tyrice Knight, Jon Rhattigan, Drake Thomas
Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson
Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Sione Takitaki, Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris
Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones
Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie, Devin Harper
Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis
Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Nicholas Morrow, Deion Jones, Dorian Williams
Jordan Hicks, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Devin Bush, Tony Fields II, Nathaniel Watson
Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr., Khaleke Hudson, Jaylan Ford
T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Micah Baskerville
C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Chazz Surratt, Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, Ventrell Miller, Caleb Johnson
Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, De’Vondre Campbell, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dee Winters
Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Mykal Walker, Jordan Magee