While it is easy to try and forget a season riddled with injuries, bad play across the offense, and coaching instability, the defense was one of the few bright spots. One of the shining areas within the Colt’s defense was the linebacking core as their top two tacklers were linebackers.

LB Bobby Okereke was second on the team in total tackles (151) and solo tackles (99) but was picked up by the NY Giants this offseason. While that is a big production player to lose, the Colts still have several quality linebackers that will be primed to make an impact on this defense.

Shaquille Leonard

There is no question that what Shaquille Leonard brings to this defense is intangible and it can get contagious. His mere leadership and play making ability are second to none at the linebacker position and if he can get to about 75% of what he was in 2018-2021, the Colts will be in good shape.

However, Shaq is still not fully healthy after suffering a nerve injury in his back, and with nerves, there is no clear timetable for recovery. The nerve will heal when it is ready to heal. Shaq has yet to participate in practice and it is unclear if he will be ready for training camp or even preseason.

This being said, the Colts were able to produce big time last year at linebacker with Shaq sidelined for the majority of the season. And if he cannot get to 100%, it might be time for some veterans and young players to step up and produce in the middle of the defense.

Zaire Franklin

Franklin was one of the surprise players of the season as he put up career numbers, leading the team in total tackles (167) and solo tackles (102) and it will be vital for him to come back with the same intensity and resiliency but also demonstrate leadership for a lot of the young players. Even though he broke Shaq Leonard’s single season tackle record from 2018, Franklin is still not quite at Shaq’s level of play. That being said, though, he is putting himself in a good position to potentially be one of the greats and the Colts will need him to be great if Shaq’s injury is not progressing as we had hoped.

If Shaq is back at full strength, we can expect that Franklin will be put in a lesser role, but it will still be a vital role nonetheless. The middle of the defense is often where the margin for error is very small. Being disciplined in the middle can be the difference between it being fourth down instead of first down.

E.J. Speed

Another surprising player from last season was E.J. Speed, who put up career numbers in every major defensive category. With being elevated to a starting weakside LB, his numbers should continue to go up and this new role will provide more pressure and bigger expectations.

That being said, if Speed wants to be a solid starting linebacker, he will have to get better covering in passing situations which was a big weak spot for him. In run coverage, though, Speed was very good with 7 tackles for loss and 12 run stuffs. So coupling his run stopping ability with Grover Stewart and Deforest Buckner in the middle of the line will be a huge factor.

JoJo Domann

Undrafted from the University of Nebraska, JoJo made the 53 man roster last year and is currently listed as #2 behind Zaire Franklin on the depth chart. JoJo was second team All American and second team Big Ten as a senior in college and since coming into the NFL, he has made the most of his playing time opportunities. He was never a starter on the field, but did have 8 total tackles and 4 solo tackles on the season. He was also the player that had the scoop and score in week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings botched punt.

With Shaquille Leonard coming back healthy, it can be assumed that JoJo will continue to be a rotation player, especially on the tight end side, but he could be the surprise impact on this defense if key starters suffer significant injuries. He will be a fun player with a great story to follow during training camp.

Grant Stuard

With the last pick in the 2021 NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Grant Stuard from the University of Houston. Stuard played one season with the Buccaneers as primarily a special teams bench player and totaled 15 tackles with 8 solo tackles. In his first season with Indy, he had 11 total tackles in two fewer games but 9 solo tackles.

A question for Stuard is whether he will continue to be a special teams player or be a more prevalent linebacker on the defense when the opposing QBs are on the field. This will be something to look for during camp.