Arguably the strongest unit on the Indianapolis Colts roster comes in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball.
With a strong rotation of young edge rushers and one of the best interior duos in the entire NFL, the Colts defense will rely heavily on the presence of the defensive line.
After re-signing a few players during free agency and then adding Laiatu Latu with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts defensive line got its proper recognition from Pro Football Focus.
In the defensive line rankings from Sam Monson of PFF, the Colts were placed seventh.
“The Colts have a very solid group of defensive linemen, arguably without the star power of the teams above them. As much as PFF loves the prospects of Laiatu Latu, it would be optimistic to expect too much from him in Year 1 as a rookie.
“DeForest Buckner is the best player on this defensive line, earning an 81.8 PFF grade last season with 52 quarterback pressures and 43 defensive stops to his name,” wrote Monson.
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The Colts set a franchise record with 51 sacks in 2023, ranking fifth in the NFL. However, they ranked 22nd in pressure rate (19.6%), according to Pro Football Reference.
Getting more consistent pressure will take this unit to the next level. That’s why the addition of Latu is so crucial even if he’s headed toward a rotational role as a sub-package edge rusher to begin his career.
The Colts defense is going to rely heavily on the front four in 2024, and they project to have another solid season coming up.
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