As we wait to see how things shake out at the linebacker position for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s not forget about recent draft pick Jaylon Carlies, who could be in the mix for playing time.
Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan put together his list of 10 takeaways from Colts offseason programs, and in the defenders to watch section, he mentioned Carlies.
“At linebacker, the Colts will try for instant impact youth with CJ Allen, with a Lou Anarumo influenced signee in Akeem Davis-Gaither in position for a starting job,” wrote Bowen. “Jaylon Carlies, a 5th round pick from 2024, is another guy to watch.”
Jake Arthur of Roundtable Sports noted that Carlies was among the linebackers to take snaps with the starters during minicamp.
“It appeared the coaches were being deliberate in trying to see different combinations with the starters. Boettcher, CJ Allen, Jaylon Carlies, and Akeem Davis-Gaither all saw first-team reps,” Arthur wrote.
Carlies missed most of last season due to injury. Upon his return in the final weeks, he contributed to the special teams unit.
As a former college safety, Carlies brings an added coverage presence to the position.
Presumably, CJ Allen will be the Colts’ MIKE linebacker, but who is starting next to him and how the rest of the depth chart shakes out is still to be determined.
Even if Carlies is not a starter, he could find his way onto the field in certain personnel packages because of his ability to operate in space and in coverage.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Don’t forget about recent Colts draft pick in mix for playing time
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
