Colts Depth Chart Analysis | Defense
After a significant addition in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Colts’ depth chart on defense is impressive up front. Let’s take a look at their potential starters for Week 1 and the players fighting to earn a starting role in 2021.
Interior Defensive Line
In exchange for their 2020 first-round pick, the Colts upgraded their depth chart with San Francisco 49ers DT DeForest Buckner. It’s safe to say this move worked out for the Colts — Buckner set a new franchise record with 9.5 sacks, the most for a defensive tackle. He also led the team in tackles for loss (10), quarterback hits (26), and total pressures (53).
Not only did Buckner play well, but he also took on double teams, which created opportunities for Grover Stewart. Thanks to this success, Stewart was rewarded with a three-year, $30 million contract during the season. Though he only recorded a single sack, he set career-high totals in tackles (53), tackles for a loss (6), and QB hits (5).
Taylor Stallworth signed a one-year contract extension with Indianapolis and will play a vital depth role for the defensive line. Playing in 16 games, Stallworth had 12 tackles while playing 25% of the defensive snaps (253).
The departure of Denico Autry this offseason opens up an opportunity for someone to step up. New addition Antwaun Woods started seven games for the Dallas Cowboys last year, racking up 23 tackles.
EDGE
The Colts used their first selection in the 2021 NFL Draft on a pass rusher in Kwity Paye. The departure of Autry and Justin Houston will mean that Paye has an opportunity to start from Week 1. Playing next to Buckner should mean Paye has the opportunity to make plays early in his career.
Al-Quadin Muhammad could be in line for an increased role coming off the edge as Paye settles in. Muhammad signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract during the offseason and averaged 36 snaps per game last season, recording 23 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in 16 games.
Tyquan Lewis, a second-round pick in 2018, has recorded just 6 sacks and 42 tackles in his pro career. Having been given the unpopular description of a “tweener,” Lewis needs to find his role (and quickly) if he hopes to secure one of the starting spots in 2021. Lewis, Muhammad, and Paye should make up the primary rotation at defensive end, with others contributing and looking to earn more playing time.
Ben Banogu is entering a make-it-or-break-it season in 2021. He entered last season with a chance to start while Kemoko Turay remained on the PUP but failed to make an impression with the Colts. He was credited with 6 tackles (none of which were sacks or tackles for loss) in nine games. Those two both have an opportunity to earn more playing time in training camp. Dayo Odeyingbo is a name to keep an eye on as he looks to earn a roster spot and playing time.
Linebacker
The anchor and enforcer of the Colts’ defensive depth chart, Darius Leonard was a first-team All-Pro for the second time of his three-year career in 2020. Leading the team in tackles (132), Leonard has totaled 416 tackles, 15 sacks, 26 tackles for a loss, 17 QB hits, 9 forced fumbles, and 22 passes defensed over his 42 games in the NFL.
A big question on defense is who will replace Anthony Walker after signing with the Browns during free agency.
One of the starting spots will go to Bobby Okereke, a transition that started last season. While playing in 14 games (eight starts), Okereke set a new career-high for defensive snaps with 685 (66%). He also set personal bests in tackles with 72 (52 solo), tackles for a loss (4), forced fumbles (2), and passes defensed (6).
A leader on and off the field, Zaire Franklin was a team captain for the Colts, although he has made his impact on the field as a special-teams ace rather than a starting LB. He has played on just 8.3% of the defensive snaps since he entered the league in 2018.
Jordan Glasgow, E.J. Speed, and Matthew Adams only appeared on special teams in 2020.
Cornerback
Xavier Rhodes re-signed with the Colts on a one-year deal after an impressive first season on the team. The 30-year-old registered 42 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 12 passes defensed in 16 games.
After spending what he called “the longest four months of his life” with the New England Patriots in 2017, Kenny Moore turned into one of the best slot corners in the NFL over the last three seasons with the Colts. Since 2018, Moore has totaled 256 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 32 passes defensed. Last season, he set new career-highs with 80 tackles, 13 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions, including one against the Las Vegas Raiders that drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.
The Colts have shown patience with CB Rock Ya-Sin, but will it pay off in 2021? Outside of zone schemes, Ya-Sin has been a bit of a liability on the perimeter, getting beaten in both press and off-man coverages far too often for comfort. However, he has had his good moments on the field. The team hopes new CB coach James Rowe can help him turn the corner in Year 3.
Safety
When you look across the Colts’ depth chart, the safety position stands out as an area to watch. With the cornerback position having the potential to go either way this season, they will rely on two young players at safety to play well.
Julian Blackmon started 14 games as a rookie in 2020. He had 42 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. He was thrown immediately into the fire, with only one defender in Kenny Moore playing more snaps last season. His pass coverage numbers could see some improvement, but as a young player, he is off to a solid start in his career,
His partner in Khari Willis is entering his third season, having started 23 games in his career. Willis’ numbers from last year are impressive, with 85 tackles, 4 QB hits, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. One very impressive thing was the improvement in his coverage. After allowing an 84 percent completion rate in 2019, he cut that to 59 percent in 2020.
Behind them, there are no clear candidates to take a starting role. Therefore, the Colts are putting a lot of faith in two players with a combined three years of experience.
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