The Indianapolis Colts boast one of their most formidable units on the defensive side of the ball in the trenches.
With a potent rotation of young edge rushers and one of the NFL’s premier interior duos, the Colts are placing a heavy bet on their defensive line’s prowess this season.
Having secured key re-signings in free agency and picking up Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts’ defensive front has earned well-deserved recognition from Pro Football Focus.
In PFF’s rankings by Sam Monson, the Colts were solidly positioned seventh among defensive lines. Monson noted, “The Colts boast a very dependable group of linemen, though they lack the star power of higher-ranked teams. While we’re high on Laiatu Latu’s potential, expecting too much from him in his rookie year might be optimistic.”
Highlighting the unit’s anchor, Monson praised DeForest Buckner, who earned an impressive 81.8 PFF grade last season, tallying 52 quarterback pressures and 43 defensive stops.
Despite setting a franchise record with 51 sacks in 2023, the Colts struggled with pressure rate, ranking 22nd in the league at 19.6%, per Pro Football Reference. Consistently generating pressure will be crucial for elevating this unit to the next level.
Latu’s addition becomes pivotal, even if he starts in a rotational role as a sub-package edge rusher early in his career. The Colts’ defensive strategy hinges heavily on their front four heading into the 2024 season, promising another strong defensive campaign ahead.
