Will the depth at the top of the defensive line draft class be too good for Indianapolis Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard to pass up?
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently updated his top 50 prospect rankings and included were 15 defensive linemen–a hefty amount for one position group.
As we all know, building the defense through the trenches has been Ballard’s M.O. over the years. In fact, it is by far the most expensive unit on this Colts roster in 2024, according to ESPN.
When it comes to the needs that the Colts have to address this offseason, the defensive line isn’t at the top of that list. Cornerback, tight end, safety, and perhaps the offensive line depending on if Will Fries returns, are all bigger needs.
However, that doesn’t mean that Ballard couldn’t justify adding to the defensive line either. For one, the depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve. The run defense would struggle without those two on the field–not to mention that Taven Bryan is a free agent and Raekwon Davis is a cut candidate.
Defensive end could end up being a sneaky need as well depending on how free agency goes. Dayo Odeyingbo could sign elsewhere and Samson Ebukam is another cut candidate.
Overall, the Colts pass rush would rank 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks, with opposing quarterbacks often leaning on the quick passing game against Gus Bradley’s zone defense.
This is potentially one of the challenges Ballard will face this offseason. With a defensive line made up of Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, Buckner and Stewart, adding to this unit isn’t a top priority. However, the pass rush and run game results say differently.
Perhaps we already have our answer to this question. During Ballard’s season-ending press conference, he mentioned that he thought the play of the defensive front was “pretty good.” So maybe he will instead draft other needs early on in the draft.
But given the depth of this draft class, there’s a good chance that when the Colts are picking, one of the top players on their board could be a defensive tackle or a defensive end.
