Let’s explore the biggest question facing the Colts’ linebacker unit in training camp.

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 are the linebackers. If you missed our other previews, you can find them below.

How quickly can Jaylon Carlies acclimate to a full-time starting role?

The presumed starter next to Zaire Franklin is Jaylon Carlies, who the Colts and GM Chris Ballard view as someone who can “really ascend,” as he enters his second NFL season.

As a rookie in 2024, Carlies was the third linebacker in Gus Bradley’s 4-3 defensive scheme, and he made several starts when EJ Speed was sidelined with an injury. Overall, Carlies was a reliable tackler and showcased his coverage abilities as a former college safety, holding opponents to just 6.0 yards per catch, per PFF.

However, Carlies is still a relatively inexperienced player, and with that comes some unknowns. He will enter his second NFL season with only 242 career defensive snaps under his belt. In fact, the Colts’ linebacker unit as a whole is quite inexperienced, with Carlies being the second-most experienced player–behind only Franklin–in terms of snaps played.

But with that said, Carlies seems to be an excellent fit for Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme with the coverage abilities he brings to the linebacker position. In Anarumo’s system, there will be an emphasis on having coverage defenders on the field, especially during those predictable passing situations.

Carlie’s skill set also pairs well with Franklin, and in this new-look defense, where there will be a greater reliance on defensive backs, for the linebackers, that could mean more opportunities near the line of scrimmage and more advantageous coverage matchups.

Carlies will have to play some catch once he’s back on the practice field. Offseason shoulder surgery kept him out of practices during OTAs and minicamp. While he was a part of the team meetings and everything else that took place this offseason, there is a big difference between learning the playbook and implementing it on the practice field.