JJ Stankevitz: Similar vibes with these questions here but a good way to kick this thing off. Ronald & LB pointed out two positions that saw the Colts lose a player in free agency and not add someone in the NFL Draft with linebacker (E.J. Speed signed with the Houston Texans) and offensive line (right guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly signed with the Minnesota Vikings).
Internally, the Colts like 2024 fifth-round pick Jaylon Carlies quite a bit, and you could also see Segun Olubi – who’s entering his third year with the Colts – compete to start at the WILL linebacker spot next to Zaire Franklin. It’s worth noting here the Colts’ defensive scheme will be different under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, which general manager Chris Ballard noted when asked about his team’s linebacker depth following the draft last weekend.
“We think we will be OK in that area,” Ballard said. “You’ve got to understand that Lou, it’s a little different than we’ve done in the past where we had a MIKE, WILL and a SAM. Now we are just playing with a MIKE and a WILL. So, not as many guys are as needed as in the past.”
The Colts, previously with Gus Bradley and Matt Eberflus as their last two defensive coordinators, would use three linebackers as part of their base defense, even if those defenses primarily were in nickel (five defensive backs, two linebackers). Not only will the Colts not need a third linebacker, remember that what’s asked of them by Anarumo will be different, too.
As for the offensive line, the Colts are confident their starting center is on their roster, whether it’s Tanor Bortolini, Danny Pinter or Wesley French – three guys with previous starting experience there. Right guard is more of a question mark, with 2024 third-round pick Matt Goncalves playing all but one snap at tackle during his rookie season (he also exclusively played tackle in college at Pitt).
But head coach Shane Steichen said his and his staff have “absolutely” had discussions about kicking Goncalves inside to guard, and added “we’ll work through that,” on if that move will wind up being made.