5 Linebacker Draft Options For The Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to target defensive reinforcements in the 2026 NFL Draft, and linebacker is a particularly strong position group this cycle. The Colts linebacker group currently ranks as one of the worst in the league after trading away Zaire Franklin and letting not to re-sign Germaine Pratt. However, in the draft class there is a mix of elite athletes, turnover machines, and versatile modern defenders, Indianapolis has several Day 2 and Day 3 options who could fit Lou Anarumo’s defense and fix long-term needs.

Here’s a breakdown of five potential options for the Colts in this draft:

Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Rodriguez is widely viewed as one of the most instinctive linebackers in the class. A former quarterback, he plays with elite football IQ and anticipation. He has excellent production, including forced fumbles and high tackle totals, showing a consistent ability to disrupt offenses. He had high level processing speed and ability to diagnose plays quickly, making him a strong fit as a three down linebacker. While his size is modest compared to prototypical NFL linebackers, his awareness and tackling angles make him a potential early starter. He profiles as a strong option for a Colts defense that values smart, assignment-sound defenders.

Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Hill is one of the most physically gifted linebackers in the 2026 class. At around 6’2”, 235 pounds, he combines explosive closing speed with sideline to sideline range. His production at Texas includes big numbers of sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles, showing his ability to impact both run and pass plays. Hill thrives as a modern hybrid linebacker who can blitz or drop into coverage. His upside is extremely high, and if available he could be a difference-maker for Indianapolis as a long-term defensive centerpiece.

Josiah Trotter, Missouri

Trotter is a physical, old-school inside linebacker with modern coverage ability. He excels between the tackles, using strong upper-body power to shed blocks and finish plays downhill. He also shows surprising fluidity in zone coverage, with improving awareness in passing situations. His aggressive style makes him a tone-setter in the run game, something the Colts need. While he may not have elite sideline speed, his toughness and instincts make him a dependable early down defender with three down potential.

Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Golday is a long, athletic linebacker at roughly 6’5” who brings versatility to multiple alignments. He can play off-ball linebacker or function as an overhang defender in hybrid looks. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and set a strong edge in the run game. He is still developing consistency as a full-time linebacker, but his traits and explosiveness give him significant upside. For a Colts defense that occasionally mixes fronts and coverages, Golday offers intriguing schematic flexibility.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU

Elarms-Orr is a balanced, steady linebacker who projects as a reliable contributor rather than a boom or bust prospect. He is disciplined in his reads, rarely out of position, and shows strong tackling fundamentals. While he does not have the elite athletic traits of some peers, his consistency and football intelligence make him a safe developmental pick. He could carve out a role early on special teams while growing into a rotational linebacker role.

For the Colts, this linebacker class offers a range of archetypes: Rodriguez and Hill bring high-end upside, Trotter adds physicality, Golday provides developmental versatility, and Elarms-Orr offers stability. Depending on draft position, Indianapolis could find both immediate contributors and long-term defensive building blocks among this group.