What grades from PFF did the current group of Indianapolis Colts’ linebackers receive for their performances last season?
What grades from Pro Football Focus did the current group of Indianapolis Colts’ linebackers receive for their performances last season?
This is one of the positions with some sizeable unknowns entering the upcoming season. The reason for this is all the inexperience on the roster. Outside of Zaire Franklin, the next most experienced player on the roster is Jaylon Carlies with 242 career defensive snaps.
Naturally, with inexperience comes unknowns and with that question marks. But, with that said, there are reasons for optimism.
For one, as GM Chris Ballard has said, the Colts have a strong track record of developing this position. In addition to that, Carlies, as a former college safety, adds needed coverage ability to the position, and that skill set pairs well with Franklin.
Also, not to be overlooked is Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, where there is a greater reliance on defensive backs. This, in turn, could create more opportunities for Franklin and the linebackers, in general, to play closer to the line of scrimmage more often. The more aggressive defensive system should result in more opportunities to get after the quarterback as well.
Now, as far as PFF’s grading system goes, I always want to add the caveat that this metric is far from the be-all end-all when it comes to evaluating a player’s performance. It is one tool out of many that are out there and should be treated as such.
For some context around these metrics, here is a look at PFF’s grading system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite80-89.9: High quality70-79.9: Good60-69.9: Above average50-59.9: Average40-49.9: Below average39.9 or less: Poor
Alright, now let’s dive in.
Zaire Franklin
PFF grade: 60.9
Franklin led the NFL in tackles last season and made his first Pro Bowl while also being named a second-team All-Pro. He also set a career high with 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks, and two interceptions. According to PFF’s metrics, missed tackles were an issue at times and quarterbacks were efficient in coverage against him.
Jaylon Carlies
PFF grade: 69.0
Carlies was the Colts’ third linebacker as a rookie and made some starts when EJ Speed was injured. He proved to be sound in coverage, limiting pass-catchers to just 6.0 yards per catch, and was a sound tackler as well.
Segun Olubi
PFF grade: 86.4
Olubi played just 21 defensive snaps last season. He was one of the Colts’ core special teams contributors.
Joe Bachie
PFF grade: 63.7
Bachie played only 36 defensive snaps with the Bengals last season. He has spent the last four seasons playing in Anarumo’s defense.
Cameron McGrone
PFF grade: 60.1
McGrone played one defensive snap in Week 16 against Tennessee and 156 special teams snaps over the course of last season.
Liam Anderson
PFF grade: N/A
Anderson didn’t play any defensive snaps. He made three appearances on special teams, playing 40 snaps.
Austin Ajiake
PFF grade: N/A
Ajiake didn’t play any regular season snaps.
Solomon DeShields
PFF college grade: 66.1
DeShields’ role was relatively small last season with Texas A&M, 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.