The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

During this portion of the offseason, the team is permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills on the practice field rather than only individual drills, which has been the case the last few weeks. However, contact is still not allowed.

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So, with offseason programs ramping and concluding in a few weeks with mandatory minicamp, let’s take a position-by-position look at the Colts’ current roster on the defensive side of the football, along with a peek at special teams as well.

The defensive end rotation seems pretty well set. I think the one question there is whether Land can stand out enough this summer, forcing the Colts to go heavy at that position and keep six defensive ends. The trickle-down effect of that means going light at another position group.

As far as defensive tackle goes, can someone behind Buckner and Stewart emerge to bolster the depth behind those two? That is a big area of opportunity for the Colts’ defensive line this season, and there are new faces in Gallimore and Smith to hopefully help provide that boost.

Indianapolis Colts linebackers

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Beyond Franklin, there is very little defensive experience at this position. Carlies, the presumed starter next to Franklin, acclimated well as a rookie, but still has just over 200 career snaps. Olubi, Bechie–who played under Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati–and McGrone have all primarily been special teams players in their careers. The Colts have a strong history of developing the linebacker position group, and that ability will be tested this season.

Indianapolis Colts cornerbacks

Looking at the cornerback depth chart, I see seven players who could make the 53-man roster. It’s not unheard of for teams to keep that many cornerbacks, but five or six is what we more often see around the NFL. In Anarumo’s defense, there is going to be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, which could open the door to keeping seven. If the Colts do keep just six, as of now, I see that being a competition between Womack and Ballentine for that final spot.

Indianapolis Colts safeties

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We know that Bynum and Cross will be the starters, but like linebacker, this is a position with very little defensive experience on the depth chart behind those two. Thomas has started in 26 games, but played a very small role in 2024. Everyone else hasn’t played a defensive snap in the NFL. If there’s a position where an addition could be justified, specifically a veteran to bolster the depth with some experience, this is one of them.

Indianapolis Colts’ special teams unit

Perhaps Trujillo can push Shrader and create some competition this summer. But until we see that happen, this is Shrader’s job.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Indianapolis Colts’ OTAs: Previewing roster on defense