The Indianapolis Colts are pinning their 2026 playoff hopes on a crop of untested defenders. After missing the postseason every year since 2020, the franchise is leaning on rookies and second-year players to absorb NFL speed and schemes at warp speed. Head coach Shane Steichen has made it clear: these youngsters must adapt quickly or the Colts’ playoff drought will stretch into a seventh season.
The Colts’ defensive rebuild started with the 2024 draft, when they selected edge rusher Laiatu Latu with the 13th overall pick and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the second round. 5 sacks in 14 games, while Cooper posted 54 tackles and one interception. The 2025 class added cornerback Darius Robinson (6-2, 300 lbs) and safety Jaylon Carlies, both Day 2 picks expected to compete for starting roles in training camp.
Through organized team activities, Robinson has flashed ball skills and physicality, while Carlies has drawn praise for his range in coverage drills. The urgency isn’t just about wins and losses. Indianapolis ranks 27th in defensive grade over the past three seasons, per Pro Football Focus, and surrendered the second-most passing yards per game in 2024.
8 points per game last season, a number that must drop below 20 to have any shot at contention. Steichen has installed a simplified scheme this offseason, stripping back blitz packages and emphasizing gap integrity—designed to mask young players’ mistakes while they learn on the fly. That approach mirrors the strategy used by the 2021 49ers, who rode a young secondary to a Super Bowl run despite early-season growing pains.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley stressed the developmental curve is steep but not insurmountable. “These guys aren’t ready to be perfect,” Bradley said after minicamp. “They’re ready to be better.
” Bradley pointed to the 2023 Rams, who rode young defenders to a Super Bowl run while tolerating early-season bumps. 3 more wins per season than those who see fewer reps—a gap that could decide Indianapolis’ fate in 2026. What’s next: The Colts open training camp on July 25 with padded practices beginning August 5.
The first preseason game is August 9 against the Bears. If the young defense can cut its turnover rate (14 takeaways in 2024) and limit explosive plays (38 plays of 15+ yards allowed), Indianapolis could field a unit that keeps them in games—and maybe, just maybe, back in the playoffs. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
The Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since 2020, and their survival now depends on unproven defenders learning faster than the franchise’s patience. A successful 2026 campaign could reset the organization’s trajectory, while another year of struggle risks eroding fan trust and front-office credibility. The stakes are simple: develop young talent quickly or watch another season slip away. History shows that teams with rookie-heavy defenses improve by an average of 1.8 wins per season when those players log at least 500 snaps—enough to flip a 6-11 record into playoff contention.
Frequently asked
Which young Colts defenders are expected to lead the defensive turnaround?
Edge rusher Laiatu Latu (2024 first-rounder) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (2024 second-rounder) are the top candidates to anchor the defense. The 2025 class added cornerback Darius Robinson and safety Jaylon Carlies, both Day 2 picks expected to push for starting roles.
How bad has the Colts defense been recently?
Indianapolis ranked 27th in defensive grade over the past three seasons per Pro Football Focus and allowed the second-most passing yards per game in 2024. They surrendered 24.8 points per game last season, a figure that must drop below 20 to contend.
What changes has defensive coordinator Gus Bradley made to help young players?
Bradley simplified the scheme this offseason, reducing blitz packages and emphasizing gap integrity to mask young mistakes. The goal is to build habits rather than demand perfection from rookies and second-year players.
When does the Colts training camp begin?
Training camp opens on July 25, with padded practices starting August 5. The first preseason game is August 9 against the Bears.
What defensive metrics must improve for the Colts to contend?
The Colts must cut their turnover rate (14 takeaways in 2024) and limit explosive plays (38 plays of 15+ yards allowed). Reducing points allowed below 20 per game is also critical to staying in games.
How do rookie-heavy defenses typically perform in their second year?
Teams with rookie-heavy defenses improve by an average of 1.8 wins per season when those players log at least 500 snaps, according to NFL research. That jump can turn a 6-11 record into playoff contention if other units stabilize.
