Over the coming weeks we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens more so on what’s ahead and what’s needed at each position group.
Up next is the defensive tackle spot, but if you missed any of our other previews, follow the links below.
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle overview
Production-wise, the play from the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive front as a whole was up-and-down in 2024.
The Colts defense would finish the season ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks–although, in part, that’s a product of opposing offenses taking advantage of the quick passing game against Gus Bradley’s soft zone defenses.
In the run game, the Colts finished the year top 10 in yards per carry allowed, but were more so very all-or-nothing against the run, either limiting opponents to very little, or getting run all over.
Despite the mixed results against both the run and the pass, GM Chris Ballard thought that the play of the defensive front last season was “pretty good.”
“I thought they played pretty good,” Ballard said via the Indy Star. “Now, did they have the amount of sacks? No. I know that’s what everybody equates it to. … Now look, there’s times you can’t get there when they’re six, seven-man protecting and the ball’s out fast. When the ball’s coming out, that’s sometimes how teams counteract you. I didn’t think our d-line played bad.”
Positional need this offseason
When it comes to the interior defensive line specifically, once again, both DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart were quite good.
Buckner finished the season ranked ninth in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric, while Buckner also ranked ninth in run-stop rate and Stewart was 14th among all defensive tackles.
When those two are on the field, they not only stuff their own stat sheets, but their presence makes those around them better as well through the attention that Buckner and Stewart draw.
So in that regard, with both players returning for 2025, defensive tackle may not be a huge need. However, the depth behind those two absolutely does have to improve.
Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis would combined for just 12 pressures the entire season. By PFF’s pass rush productivity metric, Bryan ranked 96th and Davis 122nd out of 124 defenders.
Against the run, Bryan ranked 120th in run-stop rate and Davis 149th out of 153 interior linemen.
Bryan is set to be a free agent this offseason and Davis is a potential cut candidate. So defensive tackle may not be at the top of Ballard’s priority list, but it certainly does have to be on it. The play behind Buckner and Stewart has to get better.
What free agents are available?
With Buckner and Stewart returning for the 2025 season and the Colts not swimming in cap space, I wouldn’t expect a big addition at this position, but a Raekwon Davis-like one from 2024 could be in play.
With help from Over the Cap, here are the top available free agent options at the position this offseason:
Osa Odighizuwa
Adam Butler
Daniel Ekuale
BJ Hill
Tershawn Wharton
Javon Kinlaw
Jarran Reed
Levi Onwuzurike
Calais Campbell
Poona Ford
John Jenkins
Morgan Fox
LaBryan Ray
Jonathan Bullard
Milton Williams
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Benito Jones
Roy Lopez
Mario Edwards
Bobby Brown III
Jerry Tillery
TJ Slaton
What about the NFL Draft?
The draft is not only about finding some immediate help but it’s about planning ahead as well. And in addition to needing improved defensive tackle depth in 2025, it’s worth noting that Buckner and Stewart are each free agents after the 2026 season.
Here are the top defensive tackle prospects, according to PFF’s big board, and the general consensus is that this year’s class is loaded with talent.
Mason Graham, Michigan
Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
TJ Sanders, South Carolina
Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Darius Alexander, Toledo
Alfred Collins, Texas
Deone Walker, Kentucky
Jordan Phillips, Maryland
JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Simeon Barrow Jr., Miami
