Jan. 30, 2026, 9:47 a.m. ET

Addressing the front seven should be on the Indianapolis Colts’ radar this offseason. Good news for them is that this year’s draft class seems to have a lot of talent at those positions.

The week of Senior Bowl practices has wrapped up, and the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah put together his list of the top 10 standout performers. Of the prospects highlighted, five of them play either linebacker or along the defensive line.

As GM Chris Ballard said after the season, the Colts need “more fuel” up front, referencing the defensive line. While this unit held its own against the run, generating steady pressure, particularly from the defensive end position, was an issue.

In addition to that, while not mentioning the linebacker position specifically, Ballard also discussed the need to get younger and faster on defense. That would seem to apply directly to the linebacker position.

Beyond more juice being needed at those positions, bolstering the depth is a requirement as well.

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Let’s highlight the handful of prospects that Jeremiah noted as standouts over these past few days.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Rodriguez was one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He was also very good in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups. Rodriguez also forced seven fumbles.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Hunter is listed at 6-4 – 330 pounds. He’s played over 1,800 career defensive snaps, including over 500 snaps in each of the last three seasons. He was one of PFF’s highest graded run defenders and brings some pass rush upside at his size.

Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

Louis has been very effective as a blitzer, recording 50 pressures over the last two seasons. In coverage, he’s logged five pass breakups and six interceptions the last two years, while holding pass catchers to 8.4 yards per catch.

Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Moore has had steadily increasing production the last three seasons, going from 26 pressures in 2023 to 37 to 41 this past year. This also includes logging 11 sacks in 2025.

TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker has recorded 92 pressures and 18 sacks over the last two seasons. He’s graded out very well as a run defender by PFF’s metrics as well.