Colts' Flipped Position Still Considered A Need?

The Indianapolis Colts underwent an overhaul at the linebacker position this offseason.

They traded four-year starter Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers and allowed veterans Germaine Pratt and Segun Olubi to walk in free agency.

In restocking the cupboard, they first signed free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither, who played multiple years for Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and linebackers coach James Bettcher with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Then in the draft, the Colts spent their second-round pick on CJ Allen and a fourth-round pick on Bryce Boettcher.

Still, despite the wholesale changes, not everyone is convinced it's been enough.

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CBS Sports' Josh Edwards listed linebacker as the Colts' most significant remaining need to address this offseason.

"Green Bay traded for Indianapolis' most productive linebacker (Zaire Franklin), and the position had already been a point of weakness," Edwards wrote. "The Colts drafted CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher, but are otherwise relying upon traveled veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither, who has a history with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo."

While it is a risk for the Colts to go young at linebacker, their linebackers did not play well last year. They purposefully rebuilt the position. The Colts shouldn't expect a significant dropoff, though they'll be trading experience for youth and athleticism.

The team's linebacker hierarchy is also set up well. Allen is already the designated starter at MIKE, and the plan was to have Davis-Gaither start alongside him at WILL to be a veteran presence to help throughout the games.

However, Boettcher has made a strong impression throughout OTAs and minicamp and could even steal the WILL spot from Davis-Gaither if he plays well enough this summer during training camp and the preseason.

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"He is really smart," Bettcher said of Boettcher (no relation). "Like, him and CJ, that's a really good combination. You know they're both like really engaged in the meeting room. Bryce fits right into that. That's his MO."

Linebacker wasn't the only spot on the Colts that Edwards feels may be vulnerable, though.

"Wide receiver is a sneaky candidate as well, following the Michael Pittman Jr. trade," Edwards said. "Indianapolis had an excellent top three last year, but lacked depth. Cornerback and safety are a few other spots, but that could change if young players come of age and veterans play to their capabilities."

At wide receiver, the Colts are ushering Alec Pierce in as the new WR1 after trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they're excited to do it. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the last two years, and they want to make him a bigger part of the passing game.

Josh Downs and Tyler Warren will also take on bigger roles.