Stampede Blue
Last season, the Colts ranked among the bottom five defenses in total yards allowed per game (361.2), pass yards per play (7.1), and opponent’s third down conversion rate (44%). Colts GM Chris Ballard confessed he needed to identify the right free agents to move the needle on a franchise that was “not close” to championship contention.
Pro Football Focus listed the Indianapolis Colts’ two most revamped units, including the offensive line and secondary, among the best position units in the league.
It all starts with the staple that defines the Colts identity, which is a bruising, relentless rushing attack behind the NFL’s fifth-best offensive line. The Colts’ o-line features five-time All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson, who graded among the top five guards across the board, according to PFF. Fourth-year left tackle Bernhard Raimann enters a pivotal contract season with intentions to make a statement and secure the long-term contract. Raimann’s 90.7 run block grade ranked fifth among all qualified tackles last season. One veteran NFL scout recently mentioned Raimann on a recent ESPN survey, anonymously stating “he started slowly but has continued to improve and was really good last year”, evidenced best by his 85.1 overall grade, which was the best score from any Colts player in 2024.
Last season, the Colts ranked among the bottom five defenses in total yards allowed per game (361.2), pass yards allowed per play (7.1), and opponent’s third down conversion rate (44%). Colts GM Chris Ballard confessed he needed to identify the right free agents to move the needle on a franchise that was “not close” to championship contention.
Indianapolis sought a new direction and hired veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and vastly improved its No. 10 ranked secondary with the long-term signings of safety Camryn Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward. With three years of experience as a starter in Minnesota, Bynum was an essential upgrade after the Colts decided not to retain safety Julian Blackmon. Bynum played over 90% of the Vikings defensive snaps last season and has logged over 1,000 defensive snaps in each of the last three seasons. He is a durable, versatile, centerfielder to cover the deep zones for the Colts.
The Colts made bold decisions this offseason to land a top-tier free agent and No. 1 outside cornerback when signing Ward, who brings a full season-length of playoff experience under his belt. Ward is an eighth-year veteran with 89 career starts and he’s just one year removed from earning Second-Team All-Pro honors after leading the NFL with 23 pass deflections in 2023. Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross are returning veterans who both led the Colts with three interceptions last season. Third-year cornerback Jaylon Jones has started each of the last 27 games through his first two seasons with the Colts.
Free agency departures, injuries and mental health scares often make depth a necessity. The Colts continued to bolster the depth after selecting cornerback Justin Walley out of Minnesota in the third round and massive tackle Jordan Travis out...
