Stampede Blue
A preview of the defensive line’s second year under DL Coach Charlie Partridge.
Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts defense heads into 2025 for the second season under defensive line coach Charlie Partridge.
This past season saw a step back in production from the year prior, particularly from a pass-rush standpoint, but the talent across the defensive front is by no means lacking. The Colts' defense lost its best pass rusher production-wise, Samson Ebukam, to an Achilles tear before the 2024-25 season began, while the acclimation to Partridge’s scheme proved to be a slow climb.
The Colts' defensive line lost its most versatile member in Dayo Odeyingbo to the Chicago Bears in free agency this past offseason, but the additions of JT Tuimoloau in the NFL Draft and Samson Ebukam via a return from injury could prove fruitful for Lou Anarumo’s first season as defensive coordinator.
Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye
There isn’t much that needs to be said about the all-league interior defensive line duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Both have remained at the top of their games despite approaching the twilight years of their respective careers. Stewart is still the gap-filling, run-stuffing menace that he’s always been, whereas the All-Pro talent of DeForest Buckner reveals itself year in and year out. The only true concern for either of them at this point is whether or not they’ll stay healthy.
The Ed McGilvra-trained defensive end pair of Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye is expected to start under Lou Anarumo in year one. Paye led the defense in sacks a season ago, though the line’s step back in production allowed for ample clean-up. Latu flashed in his rookie season but is now hopeful to take that next step as the defense’s pass rusher of the future. Not to suggest that the defense’s overall performance hinges on how much Latu progresses as a sophomore in the NFL, but a true ascension would do wonders for not only the current day Colts, but the future as a whole.
Samson Ebukam, JT Tuimoloau, Tyquan Lewis, Neville Gallimore, Adetomiwa Adebawore
As previously mentioned, Samson Ebukam is returning from one of the most brutal injuries a professional athlete could sustain: an Achilles tear. Despite a clear progression in recent years, one that resulted in a career-high 9.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2023, Ebukam’s return-to-form is simply not expected, given that he is a 30-year-old pass rusher whose entire game centers around his explosiveness. It’s no secret that Ebukam is talented, but Father Time plays a big part in his return to the gridiron.
Both former Ohio State Buckeyes, rookie JT Tuimoloau and Tyquan Lewis, offer versatility across the defensive front for the upcoming season. Lewis has mainly struggled to stay on the field due to an unfortunate series of injuries to start his NFL career, whereas Tuimoloau is a recent second-round pick who is slated to have a big role as a fifth/sixth...
