The Indianapolis Colts defense, led by first-year defensive coordinator Lou Anrumo, recorded 39 sacks in the 2025 season, which falls around the middle of all 32 teams in the league.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard mentioned at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that the team would look to get younger and faster in the defensive front 7 this offseason.
Indy made an addition to the D-line, but no standout names so far. With the upcoming draft in just over a month, the team can find a key contributor for the 2026 season.
Colts Predicted to Draft Missouri Star
GettyThe Colts have 7 draft picks in the upcoming draft
Indianapolis does not have a first-round selection this draft year, having traded it to the New York Jets to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner, but a lot of first-round talent seeps into the second round.
This year’s draft class is filled with many defensive line prospects, which works in favor of the Colts, who have their first selection with the 47th overall pick.
The Athletic released its latest mock draft after free agency had cooled off, with the publication predicting Indy will select Missouri EDGE rusher, Zion Young.
“The Colts pursued former [Cincinnati] Bengals star Trey Hendrickson to bolster their underwhelming pass rush, but he ultimately joined the [Baltimore] Ravens after their trade for [Las Vegas] Raiders standout Maxx Crosby fell apart. With Hendrickson no longer on the free agent market, Young is a no-brainer selection for the Colts,” The Athletic’s James Boyd wrote.
“The former Missouri star had 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss during his final college season. Young, who is 6-6 and weighs 262 pounds, would compete for a starting role opposite 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu.”
Young, who played his first two seasons of collegiate football at Michigan State, has recorded 11.5 sacks and 131 total tackles (28.5 for loss) in his career. The defensive lineman continues to look better with more experience and could be a key contributor with Indianapolis.
The pass rusher has been compared to three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.
“Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room,” Zierlein wrote.
“Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush.”
Additions to the Defensive Front
GettyIndianapolis Colts made some additions in the free agency
The Indianapolis Colts have made some signings to the defensive front, but none scream out “younger and faster.”
Indy added defensive linemen Arden Keys and Michael Clemons to the squad, with combined contracts over $37.5 million. The former will be 29 years of age at the start of the 2026 season and Clemons will be 30.
These additions bring experience to the squad, but not what GM Chris Ballard mentioned at the Scouting Combine.
There are still quality pass rushers in free agency, including Joey Bosa, but if the team wants to get “younger and faster,” the draft is now the way to go and Zion Young can be an option if he falls to the 47th pick.
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