Chris Ballard: What Colts are looking for in draft at LB and DE

Two of the more pressing needs that the Indianapolis Colts have to address in the 2026 NFL draft are linebacker and defensive end.

So what specifically is GM Chris Ballard looking for at these positions as he evaluates draft prospects?

At the top of the list at linebacker is speed, good instincts, and the ability to contribute on special teams.

"The ability to play on three downs at linebacker, speed, those things are, to me, always really important," Ballard said. "Instincts, guys that have a feel for it and then also like their ability to translate to special teams and play on teams, like all that matters. That's why special teams is so important. And I think Zaire is a great example of a guy that you learn everything on teams.

"You learn how to take on blocks. You learn how to play fast and with speed, but then have to get under control and tackle in space. Like you learn a lot playing on teams. Usually you can tell that if a guy ends up being really good on teams, there's a chance he's he can ascend. So athleticism, speed, ability to play on three downs are always kind of what we're looking for at linebacker."

At defensive end, with Lou Anarumo leading the defense, he prefers power and length, although Ballard acknowledged that having some speed among that group could be valuable as well.

"At end it's changed a little bit," Ballard added. "Lou likes a little -- with (Matt Eberflus) it was all about let's get as many speed guys as we can on the field, and with Lou, the element of power is important. I do think adding a fastball is kind of what we need. I'm not eliminating the other guys, but with Lou length, guys that are long, you can see kind of the guys we brought in, those kind of guys he gravitates to."

Throughout the depth chart at linebacker, depth and competition are needed. At pass rusher, the Colts need more consistency, after ranking 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric last season.