Pro Football Focus continues on with their positional rankings ahead of the 2024 NFL season and they do not think all that highly of the Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker unit.
Out of the NFL’s 32 teams, PFF put the Colts’ linebackers at No. 26, only ahead of Tennessee, Denver, Green Bay, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Chargers, and Arizona.
“Both Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed are better in run defense than coverage. Franklin earned a 66.1 PFF run-defense grade in 2023 compared to a 56.4 coverage grade, while Speed was at 78.8 and 56.1. respectively. While Franklin led all linebackers with 132 solo tackles last season, he was also tied for the third-most missed tackles at the position in the regular season (25).”
The top-five on PFF’s list included the New York Jets at No. 1, followed by San Francisco, Chicago, New England, and the New York Giants.
Outside of Indianapolis, this does seem to be the sentiment around the Colts’ linebacker position, which at No. 26 overall, does feel a bit harsh.
Consistency in coverage is an area where this unit can improve. However, it’s important to note that in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme, the linebackers are also put into a difficult position in that respect.
The middle of the field is often targeted and with the Colts’ usage of single-high safety looks, that leaves the linebackers with a lot of space to have to cover.
Both players do a very good job of limiting the damage in the running game, with Franklin ranking ninth among all linebackers in run-stops last season and Speed ranking 17th.
Franklin has been a tackling machine, setting the Colts’ franchise record for tackles in a season in each of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Speed, meanwhile, would finish the 2023 season strong as he saw more playing time and flashed his playmaking potential.
The battle for the Colts’ third linebacker role is one of the more under-the-radar training camp battles that will take place this summer. Competing for that potential playing time will be Jaylon Carlies, Ronnie Harrison, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, and Grant Stuard.
Two players, in particular, to watch are Carlies and Harrison because of the coverage ability they bring to the linebacker position, which complements well what Franklin and Speed already bring to the table.
Either Carlies or Harrison could carve out a role this season as the Will linebacker when the Colts are in their base 4-3 defense or in obvious passing situations.
With the Colts boasting a robust and deep defensive front, the linebackers may benefit the most from the high level of play in the trenches, with that unit keeping Franklin and Speed free to flow and make plays.