Colts Updates: 2026 NFL Combine Highlights Linebackers and Draft Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Colts' linebacking corps struggled in pass coverage and run defense in 2025, making the linebacker position a key area of focus in the 2026 NFL Draft. Several players showcased their potential at the combine:

• **Sonny Styles:** With a RAS score of 9.99u, Styles displayed elite athleticism, but his draft stock is likely too high for the Colts.
• **Jacob Rodriguez:** Rodriguez excelled in agility drills, fitting the Colts' need for a coverage linebacker. His 3-cone drill (6.9s) and 20-yard shuttle (4.19s) were the fastest among linebackers.
• **Kyle Louis:** Louis also demonstrated strong coverage skills with the second-fastest 3-cone drill (6.97s) and third-fastest 20-yard shuttle (4.26s) among linebackers.
• **Anthony Hill Jr.:** Hill posted a 4.51s 40-yard dash with a RAS score of 9.84u. Racked up 250 total tackles, 17 sacks, and 8 forced fumbles in three seasons at Texas.

Chris Ballard's draft strategy focuses on accumulating picks and finding talent throughout the draft, not just in the early rounds. The Colts currently have five picks but are projected to gain two compensatory picks, bringing the total to seven. Ballard anticipates acquiring even more picks through trades, emphasizing the team's commitment to building depth and finding impactful players in all rounds. Great players come from everywhere in the draft, whether they're a first-round pick, seventh-round pick, undrafted free agent.

Cornerbacks also participated in the combine, with Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri) leading the 40-yard dash (4.32s) and D'Angelo Ponds (Indiana) topping the vertical jump (43.50"). Latrell McCutchin Sr. (Houston) showcased agility, leading both the 3-cone drill (7.00s) and shuttle run (4.18s). With Charvarius Ward expected to continue playing and the return of Justin Walley, the Colts appear well-positioned at the cornerback position.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• The Colts are actively seeking to improve their linebacking corps through the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Chris Ballard plans to increase the number of draft picks to maximize the team's opportunity to find talent.
• Linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis could be potential targets for the Colts in the second round.
• The Colts are confident in their cornerback position with the expected return of key players.

Discussion

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