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Indianapolis Colts 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Indianapolis Colts and preview how it might perform this season. Indianapolis Colts 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Colts held up well against the run in 2025, allowing 4.0 yards per carry to running backs (7th). DeForest Buckner continued to be a great option last year, especially against the run, but he played just 10 games after 12 in 2024. He is expected to recover from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season, but he is also 32. Grover Stewart is also 32. Indy added some depth in free agency, signing Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi from the Chiefs. Colby Wooden, who Indy traded for, could make a bigger impact after something of a breakout season with the Packers last year. The Colts finished 23rd in pressure rate (34.2%) last season, logging 39 sacks (15th). Laiatu Latu took a step forward as a sophomore, leading the team with 8.5 sacks and a quality 14.7% pressure rate. Indy lost Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam in free agency, but they added Arden Key and Michael Clemons. The Colts added JT Tuimoloau in the second round last year, but he struggled to force his way onto the field and finished with 0 rookie sacks. Zaire Franklin left in the trade that landed Wooden, opening a hole at linebacker. The Colts added Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency to take that spot after his one season with the Cardinals, and they drafted CJ Allen in the second round. Davis-Gaither played for DC Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati, which should give him a solid foundation as he adjusts to the new team. Given the rest of the depth chart, the Colts need Allen to secure a starting job as a rookie. The Colts allowed 7.1 yards per pass attempt (19th) last season and finished 21st in EPA per pass allowed. Indianapolis made a big move midseason by trading for Sauce Gardner after spending big on Charvarius Ward in free agency. Those two moves did not pan out in the short term. Ward was limited to seven games because of three different concussions, and Gardner played just four games after joining the team. If healthy, that duo can be one of the best in the league, but Ward’s concussions are a major concern. With Kenny Moore gone, 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley should get the first crack at the No. 3 job, but he missed his rookie season with a torn ACL. Indy suffered a big loss at safety with Nick Cross leaving for the Commanders. Cam Bynum is back after a good season in which he allowed just a 77.6 quarterback rating in coverage, and they added A.J. Haulcy in the third round. The rookie should get a real shot to earn a starting job. The Colts also added Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens in free agency. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's…