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Colts Defender Could Make Another Pro Bowl this Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Zaire Franklin made his first career Pro Bowl last season. Will the Indianapolis Colts linebacker do it again this year?

Franklin hasn’t gotten off to an incredible start this season. Through two games, he has only recorded nine combined tackles. He typically finishes in the double-digits in that category. However, there’s plenty of time for him to get back on track.

Will Indianapolis Colts Linebacker Zaire Franklin Make the Pro Bowl This Season?

Frankin’s Career Thus Far

Zaire Franklin played his college ball at Syracuse. The Philadelphia native recorded 311 tackles during his four-year career. He was a three-time captain and an All-Atlantic Conference selection twice.

Indianapolis drafted Franklin in the seventh round (235th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Seventh-round picks barely make the roster, let alone turn out to be Pro Bowlers. But Franklin eventually became a huge draft steal and one of the Colts’ leaders on defense.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard has received much criticism over the years. But he has done a great job finding talent in the draft. Ballard has selected big-time contributors like guard Quenton Nelson, running back Jonathan Taylor, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Taking Franklin, who was a Day 3 draft pick, was certainly one of Ballard’s smartest decisions.

Franklin has had an impressive journey, going from a special teams contributor to one of the NFL’s top linebackers. He was there to take over as former Colts star Shaquille Leonard lost a step a few years ago.

2024 marked the third straight season Franklin had over 160 tackles. He recorded 167 in 2022 and a franchise-record 179 in 2023. Last season, he led the league with 173 tackles and was selected to his first-ever Pro Bowl as mentioned earlier.

Is Another Pro Bowl Selection Realistic?

Main Image: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indy’s defense has been up and down this year. The unit looked great in the season opener, only giving up eight points to the Miami Dolphins. Yet, they struggled mightily against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, allowing 28 points. Indianapolis still came away with the victory, though.

The Colts’ defense needs Franklin to be the tackling machine that everybody knows he can be.

Indianapolis has started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2009. Without a doubt, they’re one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this year. Daniel Jones, who’s in his first season with the team, has been the main reason for the Colts’ early success. The former New York Giant and Minnesota Viking has looked like an elite quarterback thus far.

The Jones-led Colts may end up making the playoffs this season. But for that to happen, the team needs help from their offensive playmakers like Taylor, Pittman, and rookie tight end Tyler Warren. And their defense, which includes the likes of Franklin, DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and newcomer Charvarius Ward must also produce.

Zaire Franklin has developed into a great tackler, recording a combined 519 tackles over the past three seasons. But again, he hasn’t been himself so far this year. He can certainly earn another Pro Bowl honor this season, though, if he turns things around.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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