Jan. 11, 2026, 9:02 p.m. ET
With the Indianapolis Colts’ season now behind us, let’s take a look at which players on defense received the highest and lowest grades from Pro Football Focus.
Below is a look at PFF’s grading system for some context. While this metric is very helpful when it comes to quantifying a player’s performance, PFF’s grading system isn’t the be-all and end-all either. It is one metric out of many that are out there.
90.0+: Elite80-89.9: High quality70-79.9: Good60-69.9: Above average50-59.9: Average40-49.9: Below average39.9 or less: Poor
Now, here are the Colts‘ five highest graded players on defense from the 2025 NFL season.
Colts‘ five highest graded players on defense in 2025DE Laiatu Latu: 84.1CB Sauce Gardner: 77.5CB Charvarius Ward: 77.1DT DeForest Buckner: 73.5S Cam Bynum: 70.3Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Latu would lead the Colts in pressures by a wide margin and held up well against the run, according to PFF’s metrics. He came away with a few interceptions as well.
Buckner continued to be a force against both the run and pass.
With the Colts, Gardner allowed just seven completions on 13 targets and had three pass breakups. Ward led the Colts in pass breakups, despite missing time due to injuries.
Bynum brought added ball production to the Colts’ secondary, leading the team in interceptions with four, along with logging three pass breakups.
Colts’ three lowest graded players on defense in 2025LB Zaire Franklin: 38.4CB Johnathan Edwards: 39.7CB Jaylon Jones: 42.5
Franklin’s coverage grade brought down his overall grade quite a bit. PFF also credited him with missing 21 tackles this season.
Edwards, a 2025 UDFA, allowed 17 completions on 27 targets, surrendering 14.8 yards per catch. He had two pass breakups and two penalties called on him. He did not grade out well as a run defender either.
Jones struggled to see playing time this season. He allowed 15 completions on 26 targets at 11.7 yards per catch with two pass breakups.