The Indianapolis Colts started off the 2025 NFL season with an impressive 8-3 record through their first 11 games. Quarterback Daniel Jones reinvented himself, and the Colts looked like a legitimate playoff lock.

However, destiny wasn’t on their side. Jones would tear his Achilles tendon in week 14 against AFC South rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Colts would go on to lose their last six games of the season.

Heading into the 2026 offseason, there are plenty of questions that need to be answered both offensively and defensively.

For a team that could easily be a playoff contender, there are still a lot of holes that need to be filled, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Related NFL Draft Content from TWSN:

Indianapolis Colts Top 5 Offensive Targets In 2026 NFL Draft

Jeremiyah Love Drops Massive Hint on Which Offense He Would Like to Join in 2026 NFL Draft

NFL Draft Expert Compares Fernando Mendoza to Joe Burrow

Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Targets: Defense 

Here are five defensive players the Colts should target in the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo

Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been a hot name rising up the draft boards this offseason. The former rocket has played the part and can easily get to the other side of the field in a hurry and create a turnover with a big hit. He could be the perfect pairing in the secondary to complement Cam Bynum.

He can be placed in the box or roam free up top and can be a ballhawk or an enforcer. The Colts ranked towards the top of the league in turnovers created per game, and adding another turnover-creating safety like McNeil-Warren could be the missing piece that makes this Lou Anarumo-led defense one of the best in the league.

2. Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

Speaking of ballhawks, Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis is exactly that. He had six interceptions and two forced fumbles over the past two years. Louis put up two years of solid production at Pitt and made a name for himself at this year’s Senior Bowl.

He isn’t the biggest linebacker, only standing 6’1′ and weighing only 202 pounds, but this Colts’ defense wouldn’t need him to be their top linebacker. Instead, he could be utilized as a “gadget” under Anarumo that could cover or rush off the edge.

3. Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Texas Tech

Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner have been solid options for the Colts on the interior; however, with both being in their early thirties, they won’t be around for much longer.

Skylar Gill-Howard has established himself as a solid defender against both the rush and the pass and could easily be a game wrecker in the interior for the Colts.

4. Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

The Indiana Hoosier played a key part in IU’s historic championship run. Doing everything from sacking the quarterback, creating pressure, and even blocking punts.

Mikail Kamara could be a dominant edge rusher in the NFL, and the Colts could be losing a lot of depth on the edge this offseason. Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Samson Ebukam are all set to enter free agency.

With Laiatu Latu and JT Tuimoloau left, adding a third dominant pass rusher is a very smart move for the Colts to make.

5. Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois

The Sauce Gardner trade sent a ripple effect through the NFL. However, the injuries to Charvarius Ward and the increasing age of Kenny Moore II could mean that the Colts need to find another corner to pair alongside Gardner for the future.

Xavier Scott could be the perfect option. The hard-hitting corner could be utilized either outwide or in the slot and shouldn’t have any problems being able to gel in this defense. Scott would more than likely be a better slot option thanks to his 5’11” frame; however, he could become as successful as Mike Hilton was under Anarumo with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Related

Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.

Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.

Sign up now and never miss a moment.