The Indianapolis Colts' linebacker unit has been rated as one of the weakest in the NFL, landing at No. 31 in Pro Football Focus' rankings for the 2025 season. The standout player, Zaire Franklin, has consistently delivered solid performances, but the lack of depth and experience raises concerns. Franklin's identical overall PFF grades of 60.9 over the past two seasons highlight his reliability. However, the competition behind him is relatively inexperienced, with Jaylon Carlies, who only managed 242 snaps in his rookie year, expected to start alongside him. The rest of the roster includes Joe Bachie, Segun Olubi, and Cameron McGrone, who have yet to prove themselves as consistent contributors.

This situation poses significant challenges for the Colts as they aim to improve their defense. The overall inexperience of the unit could play a crucial role in their performance this upcoming season, especially when facing high-caliber offenses. The team must find ways to develop its younger talent quickly to avoid being exploited on the field.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the 2024 season, and linebacker Joe Bachie is a key player to watch. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 235 pounds, Bachie brings five years of NFL experience to the team. After going undrafted in 2020, he has played for teams including the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cincinnati Bengals. In 2024, Bachie contributed significantly, recording a defensive snap count of 36 and excelling on special teams with 220 snaps. His performance earned him PFF grades of 63.7 on defense and 64.3 on special teams, showcasing his versatility and reliability. As the Colts prepare for training camp, Bachie's experience could be pivotal in bolstering their linebacker corps.

The Indianapolis Colts are currently assessing their linebacker depth as offseason training progresses. With Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Carlies sidelined due to ankle and shoulder surgeries respectively, younger linebackers like Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, and Joe Bachie have been given opportunities to step up. This situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding the linebacker position as the 2025 season approaches. The absence of key players could impact the Colts' defensive strategy, making it vital for the backups to demonstrate their capabilities during practice.

Joe Bachie, a former linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts, reuniting with Lou Anarumo, the ex-Bengals defensive coordinator who was released earlier this offseason. At 27, Bachie, originally undrafted, impressed on special teams during his time with the Bengals from 2021 to 2024. The Bengals, meanwhile, are reshaping their defense under new coordinator Al Goden, having drafted two new linebackers, Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter, in the recent draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have bolstered their linebacker corps by signing Joe Bachie, who brings familiarity with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. After going undrafted in 2020, Bachie carved a niche as a special teams standout during his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Primarily contributing to special teams, Bachie played 220 defensive snaps with Cincinnati, offering depth following the departures of EJ Speed and Grant Stuard in free agency. His experience in Anarumo's defensive scheme could provide valuable insight as the Colts implement their new system.