Here are six players to watch on defense for the Indianapolis Colts as training camp unfolds.
Training camp is almost here for the Indianapolis Colts. The rookies will report on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on the 23rd.
There are always numerous storylines to watch for as camp unfolds, many centered around positional battles. But for now, we will focus our attention on specific players.
After highlighting one player at each of the offensive position groups to watch during Colts‘ training camp, let’s now do the same on the defensive side of the football.
Defensive end: Laiatu Latu
The recipe for Latu to make a Year 2 leap certainly exists. He finished the 2024 season ranked 27th among defensive ends in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric, and oftentimes, where there is consistency, the production will follow. He’s also now playing in a defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo that should benefit the defensive front with its more aggressive approach and varying alignments. So with that said, you’d like to see signs from Latu over the next several weeks that a big jump this season is on the way.
Defensive tackle: Tim Smith
Smith is in a position as a sixth-round pick to carve out a role and help right away. The playing time at defensive tackle behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart is up for grabs this summer, and as a run-first defender who has experience playing across multiple gaps, Smith is a good fit for Anarumo’s defense and can provide help where it is needed.
Linebacker: Jaylon Carlies
Carlies is the presumed starter next to Zaire Franklin, and while he impressed as a rookie, showing that he is a sound tackler while also limiting pass catchers to only 6.0 yards per reception, he’s still inexperienced as well, with just 242 career snaps on defense. So with that inexperience comes unknowns. As a former college safety, his coverage experience will be valuable in Anarumo’s defense. Carlies missed the on-field portion of offseason programs, still recovering from shoulder surgery.
Cornerback: Justin Walley
Walley grabbed the attention of his teammates and coaches with his play during OTAs and minicamp. He brings excellent speed to the cornerback position, is versatile, and had good ball production in college. He’s tailor-made for Anarumo’s aggressive and disguise-heavy defense in the secondary and will be competing for playing time opposite of Charvarius Ward.
Safety: Rodney Thomas and Hunter Wohler
We know Cam Bynum and Nick Cross will be starting at safety, but who will secure that third spot on the depth chart? During Anarumo’s time in Cincinnati, he used three safeties on the field relatively often. So whoever earns that spot on the depth chart could play a role defensively this season.