10 Best options at edge for the Colts in the NFL Draft

The frequently asked question surrounding the Colts ahead of the NFL draft is who will compliment edge rusher Laiatu Latu on the left side of their defensive line. The Colts let defensive ends Samson Ebukam, Neville Gallimore, Tyquan Lewis and former 1st-round pick Kwity Paye walk in free agency leaving a void in the locker room. Luckily, the Colts made moves for decent depth pieces in Arden Key, Colby Wooden, Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, and Michael Clemmons. But the need for a dominant starting pass rusher remains. The ways in which the Colts can fill this vacancy remains open, but it’s beginning to look increasingly likely that Chris Ballard and company will look to the draft to find their guy. So, here are the top 10 best fits for the Colts in a revamped pass rush group, both in depth and starting potential.

10. Derrick Moore – EDGE – Michigan  

You can immediately think of Moore as a natural fit in the Colts defense due to the pro-style scheme he played in at Michigan. He plays with strong hands and good run recognition in a disciplined manner. But with his pass rushing arsenal still developing, he lacks the elite upside you see in other prospects this draft cycle. He may be somewhat of a project, but he most certainly offers enough talent for the Colts to take a chance on in later rounds. As his potential speaks volumes from what is on film. 

9. Malachi Lawrence – EDGE – UCF 

Lawrence brings an intriguing athletic upside with a quick first step and high motor. Traits the Colts are more than likely placing a high amount of value in the draft this year. He has flashed the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield but remains raw in his technique. His biggest weakness is his consistency both in pad level as well as finishing plays. But with Lawrence’s measurables, he could feasibly be molded into an effective starter for the Colts. 

8. Joshua Josephs – EDGE – Tennessee 

Explosive is the best word to describe Josephs play, his twitchy style in attacking fronts make him a natural fit for Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s up-field scheme. He shows good burst and closing speed, but his frame thus undersized build leaves concern for how his play might translate in the NFL. He will need to improve his strength and run defense in order to stay on the field in Indianapolis. 

7. Vincent Anthony Jr. - EDGE – Duke 

With an impressive height of 6’6, Vincent Anthony Jr. Offers a balanced skill set with solid technique and positional awareness. He is dependable against the run and shows flashes of a refined pass-rush plan. While he may lack elite traits, his high floor makes him a safe rotational option with room for growth. The downside is that his growth may be limited due to his average athleticism.  

6. Dani Dennis Sutton – EDGE – Penn State 

Dennis Sutton is one of those classic traits-based prospects with size, power and explosiveness that align perfectly with Colts prototypes. He can collapse the pocket with his noticeable strength and set a strong edge. However, he’s still developing instincts and pass rush counters, making him somewhat inconsistent game to game. But he has proven that he can complement other rushers well after dominating tape of him and former college teammate Abdul Carter pairing well together at Penn State. Which must make the Colts think of what a Dennis Sutton/Latu partnership might look like in 2026. 

5. Romello Height – EDGE – Texas Tech 

Romello Height stands out with his length and fluid movement skills, giving him an intriguing upside in space. He fits well in as a developmental edge in a wide-9 look. His issue is his play strength and height and or size as an edge. He can get washed out in the run game, and he needs to add more functional power to reach his full potential in what is sure to be an interesting transition from college into the NFL. 

4. Gabe Jacus – EDGE – Illinois 

Jacus is a high-motor defender with strong production and a relentless play style that would mesh well with Indianapolis’ defensive culture. He wins with effort and leverage but lacks top-tier burst or bend. But with Jacus only being 21, he has plenty of time to develope into something more than a high-end rotational piece. His height and weight offer a lot of upsides, that of which the Colts could bet on fitting right alongside a younger and faster defense. 

3. T.J. Parker – EDGE – Clemson 

T.J. Parker brings a blend of size, length, and natural pass-rush ability that fits seamlessly into what the Colts are trying to accomplish with their revitalized defensive front. He shows consistent dominant reps with his power and hand usage. Questions around sustainability are apparent as he can disappear for stretches; therefore, refining his technique will be the key to his success in a defense like the Colts. 

2. R Mason Thomas – EDGE – Oklahoma 

Thomas is an explosive edge defender that does not let his size define him. Playing against competitive SEC play, Thomas showed the ability to maintain an elite get-off and initiative to pressure quarterbacks quickly at the snap. He plays with urgency and aggression but can be overly reliant on his speed. Developing his technique like counters and discipline will prove to be what inevitably elevates his game as a pass rusher. 

1. Zion Young – EDGE – Missouri 

Young offers one of the most complete profiles in this group. Combining length, athleticism, and versatility. He can rush from multiple alignments and holds up well against the run, making him an ideal fit for Lou Anarumo’s defense. While already polished, he still needs to fine-tune his pass-rush moves to maximize his celling as a true deference maker. Young is undoubtedly on the right rack though, as his rare height-based attack style mixed with his imposing footwork makes him more than just a catch as a potential pick for the Colts. 

Each of the prospects mentioned in this article offer a wide array of talent for the Indianapolis Colts in the upcoming draft. While the Colts can still make moves to bolster their front seven through more free agency moves or via trade. The Colts must look to make a move on one of these players if they want to remain in the race of the playoffs come December – January next season. 

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