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Colts LB corps ranked second-best in NFL

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Colts LB corps ranked second-best in NFL


Led by Darius Leonard, the Indianapolis Colts linebacker unit was ranked second-best within the NFL by Professional Soccer Focus.

As Leonard and Bobby Okereke play the vast majority of the snaps in the midst of the protection, the tandem has confirmed to be fairly productive throughout their run collectively over the past three seasons.

Right here’s what Professional Soccer Focus needed to say in regards to the rating:

Whereas Bobby Okereke’s grade has fluctuated over time, Darius Leonard — the star of the Colts’ protection — has been rock stable since exploding onto the scene as a rookie. He has but to publish a sub-70.0 grade, with three out of his 4 years coming in above 78.0. Okereke is a stable stand-in subsequent to Leonard. He put forth a monster rookie season in 2019 however hasn’t fairly attained the identical highs in subsequent seasons.

Okereke has flashed a few of that top upside all through his profession. As he enters the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, the Stanford product will likely be seeking to money in on a brand new deal by taking part in with extra constant manufacturing.

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Leonard is at present the highest-paid linebacker within the NFL and is coming off of a 2021 marketing campaign that noticed him earn his third All-Professional and third Professional Bowl nods. He did so whereas taking part in by way of an ankle damage for almost all of the season.

The Colts additionally re-signed Zaire Franklin to a three-year deal. He performs the SAM backer position whereas E.J. Pace has crammed in properly on particular groups and as a depth piece.

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Indianapolis, IN

‘They Like My Versatility’: Colts Show Interest in Versatile Lineman

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‘They Like My Versatility’: Colts Show Interest in Versatile Lineman


If you watched the Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles‘ defensive front obliterated the Kansas City Chiefs‘ pass protection, you might’ve thought about how teams ought to replicate the Eagles’ approach, but just as important is how to attempt to counter it by loading up on the offensive line.

Addressing the offensive line may have already been a top priority for the Indianapolis Colts coming into the offseason, but then they lost starters Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency. They were prepared for that to happen, having drafted Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves in the middle of last year’s draft, but now the depth needs to be replaced.

The Colts have been doing a ton of work on offensive linemen in this draft, and another name that they’re interested in has emerged in Josh Carlin, an experienced, versatile lineman out of UCLA.

“I met with the Texans, Cowboys, and Colts at the Tropical Bowl,” Carlin told Justin Melo of The Draft Network. “It was a fun process. Those three teams knew a good bit about me. They like my versatility and how that’s the biggest aspect of my game. They appreciate that I’ve had some great coaches and how that played a role in my time at UCLA.”

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There’s a lot to like about Carlin. At 6’5″, 315, he has the size to play either inside or out, although his style is much more fitting of an interior player. He’s also received the tutelage of NFL-caliber coaching in Chip Kelly, Eric Bieniemy, and DeShaun Foster.

Carlin saw 53 games in six years with the Bruins, starting the final two as UCLA’s right guard. In total, he had 25 starts — four at center and 21 at right guard) — and loads of special teams experience.

Although he may not hear his name called next month during the 2025 NFL Draft, he is still likely to be scooped up right after as a priority free agent.

“You’re going to get a dependable guy who’s going to show up ready to work,” Carlin said about what he brings to the table. “I’m going to be tough, smart, and physical. I love to win, I love to compete. I’m going to get better every single day. I’m ready to prove that I’m an asset to NFL teams. I’m a great teammate. I’m able to produce on the field. I’m going to bring a lot of value.”

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1 dead, 1 critical in double shooting on Indy's northeast side

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1 dead, 1 critical in double shooting on Indy's northeast side


INDIANAPOLIS — One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a double shooting on the northeast side of Indianapolis Sunday evening, police said.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, around 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of person shot in the 10000 block of E. 42nd St.

Upon arrival, officers located two victims with gunshot injuries. Police said one of the victims was pronounced deceased and the second victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

An investigation is underway.

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Police have not released any further details.





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Former Colts Defender Says Goodbye to Indianapolis

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Former Colts Defender Says Goodbye to Indianapolis


One of the Indianapolis Colts‘ biggest Day 3 draft hits is moving on.

On Saturday, former Colts starting linebacker E.J. Speed agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the AFC South division-rival Houston Texans. Speed grew up in Fort Worth, TX, about 260 miles outside of Houston.

The Colts selected the little-known Speed out of tiny Tarleton State University in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In that time, he worked his way up from core special teamer to the unenviable task of replacing former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard in the middle of a season.

On Saturday, Speed took to social media to say goodbye to Indianapolis.

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“Thank you INDY, I LOVE YALL,” Speed posted to Instagram and X, including a highlight video of his career with the Colts.

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Speed’s posts received positive messages and well-wishes from former Colts teammates such as Laiatu Latu, Bobby Okereke, Dezmon Patmon, Jake Funk, and Jabaal Sheard.

Since coming to the Colts, Speed started 32-of-92 games, totaling 354 tackles (27 for loss), 2.0 sacks, 4 QB hits, 6 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 12 pass breakups. He also blocked a punt in 2020 that was recovered for a touchdown, and he recovered two blocked punts for touchdowns in 2021.

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