Analyst selects 'biggest draft goal' for Indianapolis Colts

Nick Shook of NFL.com recently highlighted the one goal that each team "must nail" in the 2026 NFL draft. For the Indianapolis Colts, the choice was an easy one -- Chris Ballard must address the linebacker position.

"Akeem Davis-Gaither arrives via free agency and is projected to line up alongside Austin Ajiake, a former undrafted free agent who played just 14 percent of their defensive snaps last season," Shook wrote. "The second round is a perfect place to find some linebacking talent (Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday) and it's is where GM Chris Ballard should zero in."

Even with the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, the Colts are very short on experience at linebacker. The next most experienced player on the roster at linebacker is Jaylon Carlies, who has played 242 career snaps -- most of which came in 2024.

Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. This is a position where multiple additions need to be made.

Having Cam Bynum at safety, a very strong cornerback unit, and Lou Anarumo's more disguise-heavy scheme can help take some of the burden off the linebacker position, but as of now, this is a unit that is a major roster hole and could be picked on by opponents.

Even once the draft is done, Ballard shouldn't rule out making a veteran free agent addition to round out the depth chart and provide some needed stability to this unit.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Linebacker named key goal Colts must hit on