On March 29th, it was reported that the Houston Texans signed former Colts linebacker EJ Speed to a one-year deal. Speed was a free agent this offseason, and with his upside, it was not a surprise to see him go elsewhere. That said, though, the Colts lost one of their key starters. To ensure that the linebacker unit remains bolstered with talent, the Colts need to look to the NFL draft. This is not to say that Speed’s replacement will be a rookie. Rather, it is to say that the Colts need to continue to add depth and talent, and the draft will provide that.
Earlier this offseason, the Colts lost a very solid depth linebacker in Grant Stuard. He signed up with the Detroit Lions and is looking to jumpstart his career as a starter there. Now that the Colts have lost two linebackers who spent considerable time on the field, they need to fill the void, and the draft can help do that.
Three Options at Linebacker for the Colts in the 2025 NFL Draft
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
One potential target for the Colts in this year’s draft is UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Although a bit undersized at 6′ 2″ and 242 lbs, his agility and athleticism compensate. According to his combine analysis, his strengths can be summed up as a playmaker with a high football IQ. He has rare instincts and can anticipate the ball.
In 2024, he led the FBS in solo tackles with 90 and led the Big Ten in total tackles with 136. He also accumulated two interceptions, one forced fumble, and four sacks. Schwesinger is projected to be selected late in the second or early third round. If the Colts play their cards right, they could get a steal in the second round or make some trades to get him early in the third.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooner’s star linebacker, Danny Stutsman, has been flying under the radar this draft season, and the Colts should take note. He, too, is projected to be a mid-round selection. However, unlike Schwesinger, he might need some time to develop before taking on any significant playing time. Stutsman is listed at 6-3, 233 lbs, and is considered as having great size to be a legitimate NFL linebacker. His main issue is his instincts and awareness, which are lacking. This is not to say that he cannot play, as his college career will beg to differ. Rather, Stutsman just needs time to develop. Therefore, he is more of a depth piece that can serve as a replacement for Grant Stuard’s role. If the Colts opt to take a linebacker of Stutsman’s caliber in the third or fourth round, rest assured they would also acquire a veteran or two to supplement production.
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Another potential hopeful for the Colts defense is Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.. Projected to be a day-three pick, Paul Jr. has some very concerning traits but overall has been compared to Pro Bowler and Colts very own, Zaire Franklin. Paul’s biggest weakness is his size. Listed at 6-1, 222 lbs, there is concern that he will get swallowed up. Nonetheless, he plays with similar strengths as Schwesinger. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in football IQ. He has intangible instincts and playmaking abilities. However, similar to Stutsman, Paul would serve as a depth piece who will need time to develop before having any significant playing time.
The Colts will have many options to choose from at linebacker, as this draft is stacked with many NFL-caliber players. The issue is what type of playmaker the Colts would be looking for. Do they want someone who can become a starter in 2025, or do they want a solid depth piece? As moves continue to happen and trades continue to flow, the draft will be the tell-tale of what the Colts plan to do in the wake of EJ Speed’s departure.
Main Photo: [Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman] – USA Today Sports
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