{"id":844002,"date":"2026-03-31T00:43:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T00:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/844002\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T00:43:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T00:43:28","slug":"colts-missed-on-trey-hendrickson-what-ballard-said-about-the-pass-rush-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/844002\/","title":{"rendered":"Colts missed on Trey Hendrickson. What Ballard said about the pass rush"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 For the moment, Colts<\/a> general manager Chris Ballard<\/a> isn\u2019t tipping his hand about the team\u2019s plans at defensive end.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis headed into the 2026 season in need of a renovation at the position. The Colts let starter Kwity Paye leave for Las Vegas, allowed former starter Samson Ebukam to go to Atlanta and haven\u2019t brought back Tyquan Lewis, leaving open a chance for an overhaul.<\/p>\n

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The Colts replaced Ebukam and Lewis by signing veterans Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency.<\/p>\n

But there is no clear starter to fill Paye\u2019s spot and elevate the edge rush, a weakness that was exposed when defensive tackle DeForest Buckner suffered a neck injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a group right now, I feel pretty good about it,\u201d Ballard said at the NFL\u2019s annual meeting on Monday. \u201cDoes that mean we won\u2019t add? No. We\u2019ve got time. There\u2019s some free agency stuff still left, we\u2019ll see if we do anything else. The draft, and then, end of the summer and into training camp. Look, would we love a 20-sack guy on the team? Absolutely. I think every team would sign up for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lead blocks for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Charvarius Ward #7 of the Indianapolis Colts on field during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) and safety Camryn Bynum (0) celebrate after Bynum forces a turn over against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 17: Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after a fourth down stop during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) celebrates Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans, 38-14.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025.<\/p>\n

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Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) after a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) pulls in a catch for a first down Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Laiatu Latu #97 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass made by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs (not pictured) in the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) makes a catch Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The play was called back on a penalty.<\/p>\n

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jaylon Jones #40 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts during the first half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Raiders 40-6.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) reacts after a kickoff return Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) kicks the ball Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts defensive end JT Tuimoloau (91) sings while warming-up Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) snaps Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Matt Goncalves (71) prepares for stretching Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) stands on the field Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) gets a five from fellow offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) on Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.<\/p>\n

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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 02: Jalen Travis #75 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field during player introductions before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Safety Daniel Scott #32 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) celebrates with Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 14: Blake Grupe #10 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) and guard Josh Sills (66) walk onto the field Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, before a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) brings down Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) during the second half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 33-8.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) gets a drink of water Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts tight end Sean McKeon.<\/p>\n

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Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Giants center Jimmy Morrissey (67) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) throws downfield against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) reacts after breaking up a pass Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Durell Nchami (74) hits Green Bay Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) as he throws during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker John Bullock (57) looks on after a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Cornerback Reuben Lowery #30 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts safety Trey Washington (41) catches the ball Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Aug 6, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) stretches at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Bayron Matos, from the Dominican Republic, is practicing with the Miami Dolphins as an offensive tackle.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jack Wilson (76) on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during the first day of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) dances after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (3) rushes the ball Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

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Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Seth Henigan (19) walks toward the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Joseph Vaughn (49) works to bring down Cincinnati Bengals running back Quali Conley (40) on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

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Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys safety Wyett Ekeler (31) against the Toledo Rockets during the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

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Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.<\/p>\n

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Defensive end Micheal Clemons #72 of the New York Jets warms up before the NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis tried to get that type of player in free agency.<\/p>\n

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The Colts were one of the teams in the mix for former Bengals star Trey Hendrickson until Baltimore swooped into the fray to sign him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on the Ravens team,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cWe looked at a lot of good players. He ain\u2019t the only one.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the moment, Ballard wants to focus on the players the Colts have on the roster.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis believes 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu is on the verge of a breakout, the kind that would transform the pass rush by giving the Colts a true difference-maker off the edge. Latu led the Colts with 8.5 sacks in 2025, but a lot of his pressures were late in the down, and Indianapolis needs immediate pressure off the edge.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe still think Latu has more upside, and I think we\u2019re starting to see it,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cThere were some close-but-no-cigar plays where he didn\u2019t finish them. The difference between 8.5, 9 sacks and 14 sacks is some of those finishing plays. We think we can help him get over the hump there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ballard also remains high on 2025 second-round pick JT Tuimoloau. Buried on the depth chart behind Paye, Ebukam and Lewis, Tuimoloau played 215 defensive snaps as a rookie, making 17 tackles, six quarterback hits and a tackle-for-loss while producing a pressure rate of 12.2%, second on the team only to Latu.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe think he\u2019ll take another step,\u201d Ballard said.<\/p>\n

The two veteran defensive ends the Colts signed in free agency profile as rotational players.<\/p>\n

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\u201cKey, we\u2019ve played against him a bunch, and Shane said he was disruptive, always a guy they had to game-plan against,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cClemons is just tough, tough, hard-playing. Kind of the same role as what Tyquan had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indianapolis has depth.<\/p>\n

What the Colts need is a player who can inject every-down life into the pass rush. Buckner is expected to be back, but Indianapolis needs more pressure off the edge. The Colts had 26 sacks in the eight games they played with a healthy Buckner; Indianapolis recorded only 13 in the nine after he suffered his neck injury.<\/p>\n

Without an obvious upgrade like Hendrickson available \u2014 Vikings star Jonathan Greenard is expected to stay on Minnesota\u2019s roster<\/a>, head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell said on Monday \u2014 Indianapolis may have to take an \u201call hands on deck\u201d approach like 2023, when the Colts broke the Indianapolis-era record for single-season sacks with 51, even though Ebukam\u2019s 9.5 was the highest individual mark.<\/p>\n

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Ballard believes the Colts have a handle on what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cSchematically, after being with Lou for a year, understanding what he needs to be successful, is a big part of it,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cUnderstand the question, especially when you\u2019re going with unproven guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another unproven guy might be the key.<\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft is deep at defensive end, and even though the Colts do not hold a first-round pick, Ballard has not been shy about using the second round to add defensive ends. Indianapolis has drafted Kemoko Turay, Lewis, Ben Banogu, Dayo Odeyingbo and Tuimoloau in the second round, and even though that\u2019s a mixed bag of results, Ballard will likely be unafraid to try again.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe like the depth we\u2019ve acquired,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cNow, we\u2019ll see going forward what we need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Colts need to add another defensive end.<\/p>\n

Where that player ends up coming from is the big question.<\/p>\n

Joel A. Erickson<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Nathan Brown<\/a>\u00a0cover the Colts\u00a0all season. Get more coverage on\u00a0IndyStarTV<\/a>\u00a0and with the\u00a0Colts Insider newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts pass rush: How GM Chris Ballard is trying to improve the unit<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"PHOENIX \u2014 For the moment, Colts general manager Chris Ballard isn\u2019t tipping his hand about the team\u2019s plans…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":843926,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2056],"tags":[9093,223,184,90305,5422,2005,593,12158,7,221,253,2368,2004,8041,298,40240,4996,667,1744,36373,233,6,4993,222,1503,4989],"class_list":["post-844002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston-texans","tag-arden-key","tag-atlanta","tag-baltimore","tag-ben-banogu","tag-chris-ballard","tag-colts","tag-dayo-odeyingbo","tag-deforest-buckner","tag-football","tag-houston","tag-houston-texans","tag-houstontexans","tag-indianapolis","tag-jonathan-greenard","tag-jt-tuimoloau","tag-kemoko-turay","tag-kwity-paye","tag-laiatu-latu","tag-las-vegas","tag-micheal-clemons","tag-minnesota","tag-nfl","tag-samson-ebukam","tag-texans","tag-trey-hendrickson","tag-tyquan-lewis"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116321025902316132","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=844002"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844002\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/843926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=844002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=844002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=844002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}