Worst-Case for Colts' Defense? A Recurrence of Last Year

Things don't always go as planned in the NFL, which can lead to a rude awakening for some teams. Just ask last year's Indianapolis Colts.

After hiring Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, the Colts spent big in free agency, adding expensive defensive backs like Charvarius Ward Sr. and Cam Bynum. They also had big plans for rookie draft picks Justin Walley and Hunter Wohler after standout summers.

The crown jewel was trading for two-time All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner in November, the Colts sending their next two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange.

What should have been a smothering, opportunistic defense became a group fighting to stay alive, week after week. Gardner and Ward spent more of their time with the Colts injured than on the field, and Walley and Wohler were both lost to season-ending injuries before the season even began.

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The Colts have made some big changes this offseason, which they hope will lead to different results in 2026, but the truth is, the worst-case scenario is essentially a replay of last year, according to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report.

"Unfortunately, there are multiple paths to a worst-case season for the Colts defense," Davenport said. "Gardner battling calf injuries like he did in 2025. (CJ) Allen and (A.J.) Haulcy not being ready to start right away. A pass-rush that managed less than 40 sacks last year once again struggling to generate consistent pressure, especially with edge-rusher Kwity Paye now in Las Vegas. The Colts offense can't carry this team—if the defense falters, this is going to be a mediocre team at best."

The Colts will be heavily reliant on Gardner and Ward being healthy so that they can deploy effective man coverage, allowing Anarumo to be more strategic elsewhere in the defense. Walley will be another big addition to the defense, as he's projected to start inside in the slot.

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The Colts are also banking that their first two draft picks, linebacker CJ Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy, will hit the ground running and play at a high level, as they're replacing two productive veterans in Zaire Franklin and Nick Cross, respectively. You can throw Walley and Wohler into this group as well. These four young players will carry a ton of the defense's weight.

Last, as Davenport mentioned, is the pass rush. The Colts finished tied for 15th last year with 39 sacks, and have since allowed Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis to leave in free agency. The Colts should get standout defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back from neck injuries that plagued him last year, but are Arden Key, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, and Micheal Clemons enough to replace Paye, Ebukam, and Lewis, while rookies George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry develop?

The potential of the Colts' defense is immense, but the questions are bigger.