Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts’ full 90-man roster, previewing each player.
Up next is linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who wears No. 57.
Profile
Jaylon Carlies’ tenure with the Colts
Carlies was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in the 2024 NFL draft. He was taken with pick 152 overall.
Recapping Jaylon Carlies’ 2025 season
Carlies missed a large portion of last season after sustaining an ankle injury in training camp. He appeared in only one game defensively, playing just two snaps against Jacksonville in Week 14. He then appeared in Weeks 17 and 18 on special teams, playing 25 total snaps.
Looking ahead to 2026 for Jaylon Carlies
Carlies appears to be in the mix for one of the starting linebacker roles. During offseason programs, Carlies, along with Bryce Boettcher and Akeem Davis-Gaither, all saw snaps with the first-team defense and CJ Allen.
As a former college safety, Carlies can bring a coverage presence to the linebacker position. That said, it’s difficult to know exactly where he fits in Lou Anarumo’s defense. Missed time last season took away valuable practice reps, and when available, he barely saw the field.
If Carlies can’t secure the starting role or show that he can be an option off the bench, he better be able to contribute on special teams, since that is where the bulk of his playing time would come. Carlies is not a roster lock and the variance with him is quite wide — he could start or I could also see him being released.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can LB Jaylon Carlies carve out a role on defense?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
