With offseason programs now behind us, we will be getting a jump start on our training camp preview by going player-by-player through the Indianapolis Colts’ 91-man roster.
Going alphabetically, up next is linebacker Solomon DeShields.
Solomon DeShields’ profile2024 Snap count totals2024 PFF grades2024 Season Review
DeShields signed with the Colts after the 2025 NFL draft as an undrafted rookie. The 2024 season was his first at Texas A&M after previously playing at Pittsburgh.
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DeShields’ role was relatively small last season, but over his career, he’s been a sound tackler and found success as a blitzer. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he also held opponents to a combined 7.0 yards per catch in coverage.
DeShields has also played 488 special teams snaps over his career and did so across four of the six different phases, according to PFF.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
This is a very inexperienced Colts’ linebacker room overall. Outside of Zaire Franklin, the next most experienced linebacker is Jaylon Carlies with 242 career defensive snaps.
So, perhaps due to the unknown around the depth of this unit, along with a new defensive scheme being implemented, which on its own can create opportunities, DeShields may have a better chance than most UDFAs to make some noise and a potential roster push.
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But with that said, there are also a lot of players on the depth chart for him to leap. At a position where special teams contributions are a must, the Colts have a lot of experience in that regard between Segun Olubi, Joe Bachie, and Cameron McGrone. Liam Anderson was also called upon to fill in last season.
Like many UDFAs, my guess right now is that DeShields’ ceiling as a rookie is making the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Previewing Colts 2025 roster: A closer look at LB Solomon DeShields