With the Indianapolis Colts on their bye week, let’s take a look ahead to the 2025 NFL draft with Pro Football Focus’ top linebackers.
To take a closer look at a few other potential positions of need for the Colts that we’ve previewed and the top prospects, follow the links below.
Cornerback
Tight end
Safety
Running backs
The play from the linebacker position from the Colts this season has been up and down. There have been a lot of tackles made between Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed, along with quarterback pressures, and plays on the football, including interceptions.
However, we’ve also seen this Colts run defense give up a lot of yards, which includes multiple 200-plus yard performance on the ground by opposing offenses this season. Tight ends have also had their share of success against the Colts defense as have quarterbacks passing over the middle of the field.
Now, of course, all of that certainly doesn’t fall on only the linebacker position. Those struggles are on the entire defense. But with that said, those responsibilities do often fall within the scope of the linebacker position.
Franklin is under contract through the 2027 but Speed is set to be a free agent in 2025. Rookie Jaylon Carlies brings added coverage ability to the position as a former safety and has often impressed when on the field this season.
It’s possible, he and Franklin are the two starting nickel linebackers next season. But even so, if Speed goes elsewhere, bolstering the depth will be a must and adding competition is never a bad thing, particularly at a position that’s had its inconsistencies.
Other than Franklin and Carlies, no other Colts’ linebackers are under contract in 2025, according to Over the Cap.
So with all of that said, let’s take a look at Trevor Sikkema’s top linebackers in the 2025 draft class. In parenthesis is the player’s overall ranking on Sikkema’s big board.
For a closer look at each prospect, click here.
Jalon Walker, Georgia (13)
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama (43)
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss (60)
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon (76)
Barrett Carter, Clemson (110)