Colts GM Chris Ballard must tap into history of finding starting LBs in draft

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Colts GM Chris Ballard must tap into history of finding starting LBs in draft

Colts GM Chris Ballard must tap into history of finding starting LBs in draft

Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis Star · IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Mon, Mar 30, 2026 ·

2 min read

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PHOENIX — Colts general manager Chris Ballard did an excellent job stockpiling linebackers in the draft early in his career.

Indianapolis drafted Anthony Walker in the fifth round, landed Shaquille Leonard in the second, picked up Zaire Franklin in the seventh, added Bobby Okereke in the third round and drafted EJ Speed in the fifth.

For a while, Ballard found so many starting-caliber linebackers that the Colts arguably had too many.

Indianapolis needs to dip back into that well again. Ballard opened the offseason by saying the Colts need to get younger and faster on defense, and Indianapolis traded away middle linebacker Zaire Franklin in pursuit of that goal.

The draft sounds like the place to find speed.

"There's some work that needs to be done," Ballard said. "You never know how the draft's going to work. … We think it's really good in the draft at linebacker, at every level. Not just high, we think it's good in the back part of it, too."

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.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

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
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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.
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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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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.
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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)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
(Travis Register, Travis Register-Imagn Images)

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)
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

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)
(Luke Hales, Getty Images)

Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

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
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)

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.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Matt Goncalves (71) prepares for stretching Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the teamâ€™s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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)
(Justin K. Aller, Getty Images)

Safety AJ Haulcy 13 interception as LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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)
(Jane Gershovich, Getty Images)

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.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) in the third quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston on Dec. 14, 2025.
(Thomas Shea/Imagn Images)

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
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Indianapolis Colts safety Juanyeh Thomas (33) practices Wednesday, May 27, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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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)
(Elsa, Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) walks for the locker room before the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
(Sam Greene/The Enquirer)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts defensive end JT Tuimoloau (91) sings while warming-up Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (12) runs during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

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)
(Michael Hickey, Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) snaps Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) catches a pass Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) throws Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cameron Mitchell (43) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)

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
(Marc Lebryk, Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)

Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (52) waits for the snap during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Caden Curry (55) practices during the teamâ€™s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) hands the ball off Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to running back Seth McGowan (20) during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Deion Burks (80) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) gets a drink of water Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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
(Gregory Fisher, Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) leaves the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens (36) is greeted by wife and United States gymnast Simone Biles before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
(Daniel Bartel, Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images)

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)
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)

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.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts safety Trey Washington (41) catches the ball Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 20: Will Mallory #86 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)

Florida defensive lineman George Gumbs
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)

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.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) walks onto the field Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

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
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-Imagn Images)

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
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)

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.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts tight end Sean McKeon.
(Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Easton Stick (4) throws Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Austin Brown (9) and defensive lineman Brandon Lane Jr. (95) look at the scoreboard in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
(Ross Harried, Ross Harried-Imagn Images)

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.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Aug 30, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) celebrates with linebacker West Weeks (33) and cornerback PJ Woodland (11) after a play against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)

Bayron Matos, from the Dominican Republic, is practicing with the Miami Dolphins as an offensive tackle.
(HAL HABIB / The Palm Beach Post, HAL HABIB / The Palm Beach Post / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Nolan Rucci (72) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark (56) snaps the ball to Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images)

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mitchell Melton (17) celebrates with linebacker Maddox Marcellus (11) after intercepting the ball in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Eli Pancol (83) catches a ball during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Devin Veresuk (48) participate in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)

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
(Eric Canha, Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts running back Lincoln Pare (36) practices during the teamâ€™s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Sahmir Hagans (11) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) before the start of a game with the Minnesota Golden gophers at Memorial Stadium in 2024.
(Ron Johnson, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Raylen Sharpe (6) runs against LSU Tigers defensive back A.J. Haulcy (13) and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (7) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew, Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

Oct 19, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; LSU Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) rushes in the second quarter as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Cameron Ball (5) attempts to tackle at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)

Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Tahj Chambers (26) waits for the snap during the fourth quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver E.J. Horton pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jai'Onte' McMillan (42) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)

Indianapolis Colts running back Anderson Castle (42) practices during the teamâ€™s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Carson Towt (33) dunks against the NC State Wolfpack during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.
(Michael Caterina, Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)

The Colts likely need more than one linebacker in the draft.

Not only did Indianapolis trade away Franklin, but the Colts haven't brought back Germaine Pratt , the veteran who stabilized the weak side. Indianapolis signed former Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither for an experienced option on the weak side, a player who was a nickel linebacker for half a decade with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo when they were together in Cincinnati .

Davis-Gaither offers a potential starting option, and insurance in case of injury.

"Davis-Gaither was with Lou, so he knows the system, has played a lot of football for him," Ballard said. "That's going to be a good transition."

Jaylon Carlies is the other wild card on the roster.

Drafted in the fifth round in 2024 to make the transition from college safety to NFL linebacker, Carlies showed enough in 200-plus snaps as a rookie to get the Colts excited, but his career has been repeatedly derailed by injuries.

"J.C.'s one that's unfortunately been hurt," Ballard said. "We just don't know. He's as talented as anyone we've had, but he's got to find a way to stay healthy."

Because of the injury history, the Colts can no longer count on Carlies to break out, although they still believe he has it in him. With that in mind, another insurance signing could be on the way.

"There's still some free agents that we could still consider," Ballard said.

Ultimately, though, the stated goal to get younger and faster leaves the draft as the best option at linebacker.

Ballard has a history of finding talented, athletic players who are ready to contribute right away.

Time to do it again.

Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts must tap into history of finding starting LBs in draft

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