3 Colts Draft Fits to Smooth Out Linebacker Woes

***Notable Career Statistics (Ohio State - 4 years): 53 games, 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 9 pass breakups.

Ohio State's Sonny Styles is a linebacker who can essentially do it all for a defense. Styles is a rangy linebacker who can handle multiple responsibilities and be deployed in several ways.

His Pro Football Focus grades from the 2025 campaign are something to behold, finishing with 86.9 coverage and 87.4 in run defense.

Styles is more of the second-round caliber, so if Indianapolis is content with waiting to address the edge rusher spot, this versatile talent is a great fit and can potentially get valuable starter reps.

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Taurean York | Texas A&M

***Notable Career Statistics (Texas A&M - 3 years): 39 games, 229 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries.

Taurean York is a sage in coverage at the second level, which is an area Indianapolis grossly missed at the position in 2025 under Lou Anarumo.

York's size is the drawback, standing around 5'10" and weighing about 227 pounds. This put him in a bind at times in run defense, but Franklin and Pratt (if he's re-signed) can handle most of that.

Per Pro Football Focus, York was elite in coverage with a blistering grade of 90.8, which can immediately be used in passing situations.

Given how disappointing Jaylon Carlies was in 2025; the Colts can't trust that he'll be a reliable player in this regard.

York's situation is opposite to Styles', as he's a third-round-type of player, so the Colts could secure him while drafting a viable edge rusher in round two if everything pans out.

Jacob Rodriguez | Texas Tech

***Notable Career Statistics (Virginia - 1 year, Texas Tech - 4 years): 56 games, 317 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 6 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 13 fumbles forced.

In my humble football opinion, this is the zenith of fits for Indy's linebacker need. Jacob Rodriguez was simply incredible during his time in the NCAA, especially for the Red Raiders in 2024 and 2025.

During those seasons, Rodriguez led the NCAA in solo tackles with 77 in 2024 and 63 in 2025. He also led the way in fumbles forced with seven during the past season.

Rodriguez is a demon in key facets, as he can be deadly in coverage and in run defense. There are some concerns with tackling technique; he also isn't the fastest defender.

Regardless, Rodriguez is dynamic, natural for today's NFL linebacker, and a true leader on the field. If the Colts can secure Rodriguez, it would be a golden prospect to develop into a possible starter.