The Indianapolis Colts are officially one week away from the start of training camp with veterans set to report July 26.
Among those veterans will be the linebackers led by Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke. The Colts didn’t make too many changes to the linebacker room outside of adding a veteran special teamer and two intriguing undrafted rookie free agents following the 2022 NFL draft.
Be sure to check out the other position previews ahead of training camp:
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight End
Offensive Tackle
Interior Offensive Line
Edge Rushers
Defensive Tackle
Here’s our preview for the linebacker position entering training camp:
Darius Leonard
AP Photo/Justin Rex
There’s not much more to say about Leonard that fans don’t already know. He’s one of the most productive and impactful linebackers in the NFL entering his fifth season in the league. What Colts fans need to know is that The Maniac underwent surgery this offseason and could miss some time during training camp. He’s expected to be ready for Week 1, but it’s best to look at this with a cautiously optimistic approach.
Bobby Okereke
AP Photo/Darryl Webb
This is a big year for Okereke, who enters training camp on the final year of his rookie deal. He took over the full-time starting MIKE role in 2021 following the departure of Anthony Walker. Okereke has the potential to be an above-average linebacker in the NFL given his length and athleticism. He’s solid in coverage and has the range necessary to be in the middle of the defense.
Zaire Franklin
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
The former seventh-round pick got a nice extension during the offseason, signing a three-year deal. While Franklin doesn’t see that much work on the defensive side of the ball—his main impact comes on special teams—he was third on the team in snaps at linebacker during the 2021 season. Franklin’s roster spot is safe after signing a new deal and should continue to make an impact on special teams as one of its captains.
E.J. Speed
AP Photo/Darryl Webb
Like Okereke, Speed enters a contract year in the final year of his rookie deal. He has spent the last three seasons working mostly on special teams and in a depth role as the backup to Darius Leonard. That role will continue and potentially grow a smidge while Leonard rehabs from…
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