Let’s explore the big question facing the Colts’ defensive line unit in training camp this summer.
The Indianapolis Colts’ rookies will report for training camp on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on July 23rd.
So with training camp almost here, we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Colts‘ roster, specifically examining the one big question that faces each unit.
Up next is the defensive line. If you missed our other previews, you can find them below.
What do the playing time rotations at defensive end and defensive tackle end up looking like?
The defensive line is a position group that GM Chris Ballard has invested heavily in over the years, both in terms of draft capital and salary cap space. We know that we are going to see a lot of DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye, and Laiatu Latu, but how does the playing and depth chart time shake out behind those players?
The defensive tackle and end positions are heavily rotated. Regularly each week, there are four or sometimes even five players who see snaps at each of these positions. So perhaps more than any other position, depth is vital here.
Particularly at defensive tackle, improved play behind Buckner and Stewart is a must for the Colts this season. To hopefully accomplish this, GM Chris Ballard has reshaped that unit by releasing Raekwon Davis and letting Taven Bryan go in free agency. They then signed Neville Gallimore, drafted Tim Smith, and claimed Eric Johnson on waivers, who joined Adetomiwa Adebawore already on the roster.
At defensive end, JT Tuimoloau, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, and Isaiah Land will all be competing for snaps and a defined role in this new-look defense. In Lou Anarumo’s malleable defensive system, which will feature more movement up front, playing time could strongly be dictated by the game flow and what the opponent wants to do schematically.
Realistically, when it comes to the roster math, Land may be on the outside looking in right now, and one of the four defensive tackles mentioned–Gallimore, Smith, Johnson, Adebawore–may not make the team either.
Helping the defensive end and tackle positions this season should be the addition of Anarumo. His more aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme can provide added time to get to the quarterback, something the Colts front didn’t have a lot of in 2024 with opponents often using the quick game against Indianapolis’ secondary.