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 Zaire Franklin.
Zaire Franklin’s profile
NFL experience: 7 seasons
2024 Snap count totals2024 PFF grades2024 Season Review
Franklin is coming off his most productive season to date. He totaled 173 tackles, which was the most in the NFL of any defender. He also set a career high with 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks, and two interceptions.
Advertisement
The end result was Franklin making his first Pro Bowl, along with being named a second-team All-Pro.
Like any player, Franklin has areas of his game that can improve. According to PFF’s metrics, he had a missed tackle rate of 11.6% last season–which ranked 43rd among linebackers–and quarterbacks were efficient when targeting him in coverage, with a completion rate of 87% and a passer rating of 105.5.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
I believe this new-look Colts defense under Lou Anarumo will really benefit Franklin.
In this scheme, there is going to be a greater reliance on defensive backs. In turn, I anticipate that this will mean more opportunities for Franklin to play closer to the line of scrimmage, which is where he is at his best. The more aggressive scheme should result in more opportunities to get after the quarterback as well.
Advertisement
I also really like the pairing of Jaylon Carlies with Franklin. Carlies, a former college safety, brings a needed coverage presence to the linebacker position. This element will pair well with Franklin’s skill set, again allowing him more flexibility to do what he does best, operating near the line of scrimmage.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Previewing Colts’ 2025 roster: A closer look at LB Zaire Franklin