The linebacker position is one where there are a number of questions for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2025 season.

Who will be starting next to Zaire Franklin? How does the depth chart shake out? How many linebackers do the Colts roster, and who makes the team?

Advertisement

The assumption for much of the offseason was that Jaylon Carlies would start next to Franklin this season. But, from the sounds of it, Lou Anarumo will deploy more of a by-committee approach when it comes to who is lining up next to Franklin.

“We’ve got a great group there,” Lou Anarumo said of the linebacker position. “I’m excited about all of them. I’m excited about the way they run around–Cam, Double-A, obviously Z just working back into it. JC once he gets back. We like to play a lot of players, and we will. So we’ll see how things all shakes out but I’m very excited about that group.”

One of the hallmarks of Anarumo’s defense is his flexibility to adjust his defensive scheme based on who the opponent is. So, perhaps depending on what the matchup dictates, will determine who sees the most playing time next to Franklin in a given week.

Last season in Cincinnati, the Bengals’ third linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, still saw over 500 defensive snaps in Anarumo’s defense, according to PFF.

Advertisement

While it was assumed that Jaylon Carlies would be starting next to Franklin this season, he has been working through injuries. Austin Ajiake and Cameron McGrone have seen their share of opportunities this summer, as has Joe Bachie.

Bachie, in particular, has steadily made plays this summer, which included coming away with an interception in the preseason opener against Baltimore. Having played the last few seasons in Cincinnati under Anarumo, he’s hit the ground running in this new Colts’ defensive scheme.

“I just think Joe knows it so well,” Anarumo said of his defense. “He can help, as you mentioned, everybody. Settles everybody down. If there’s a particular check, he already knows it. He’s been there, he’s done that in games. So I just think he helps that whole room, for sure. And then when he’s out there, I think things are settled down a little bit as the other guys continue to learn it.”

Also potentially factoring into this equation could be safety Hunter Wohler, who could see box snaps during more obvious passing situations to bring an added coverage element to the linebacker spot.

Advertisement

Segun Olubi could be on the outside looking in right now when it comes to making the team. Franklin, Carlies, McGrone, Ajiake, and Bachie already account for five roster spots. Olubi played 21 defensive snaps last season and was a core special teams contributor with nearly 400 snaps across five of the six different phases.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster: Lou Anarumo reveals plan at linebacker for 2025 season