Joseph Torres (Indianapolis): Are we at any point going to address LB and safety depth? Unfortunately it feels as if the fans see these holes in the roster before management does, the same holes they end up having to address the following year after the damage is done.
James Bentley (Coldwater, Mich.): When Germaine Pratt was released by the Bengals, there were a number of articles written regarding his obvious fit for the Colts. Considering his history with the coaches and the need for LB help, it was a surprise that Pratt signed with the Raiders at a “bargain” price. The Colts had the money to sign Pratt if they wanted to, so that leads to questions regarding their interest. There have not been any reports indicating whether Ballard contacted Pratt’s agent…or even if the Colts had any interest. We keep hearing that coaches are excited with the LB room and Carlies in particular. But one has to question why Pratt is not on the Colts roster since the LB room is still listed as a “weakness’ by the analysts and sports reporters.
JJ Stankevitz: Let’s start with linebacker here – Ballard has been consistent this offseason in saying the Colts are high on Jaylon Carlies, the second-year linebacker from Mizzou, and he’ll compete in training camp to earn a starting role next to Zaire Franklin. If the Colts were to have signed a veteran to play weakside linebacker, you’re cutting off a path to development for Carlies – who fits the profile (Day 3 draft pick with good athleticism and high-end length) of the sort of player the Colts have succeeded in growing at the linebacker position. I can’t remember a time in the last few years when the Colts’ linebacker room was actually a weakness, even if it might’ve been perceived as such on the outside.
Safety depth behind Cam Bynum and Nick Cross consists of Rodney Thomas II, who has six interceptions over 26 career starts, and two undrafted rookies (Ladarius Tennison, Trey Washington). 2023 fifth-round pick Daniel Scott could factor here as well – he sustained season-ending injuries during offseason program practices in 2023 and 2024, but he’s been someone the Colts have been excited about in the past. Seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler could factor in at safety as well.
One thing to remember, though, is the cement never dries for a roster – important additions can be made throughout training camp, and even into the regular season.