© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts Host Versatile Defensive Prospect
The Indianapolis Colts visited with a promising edge rusher ahead of the NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t finish 2023 with the most favorable defensive numbers. As a unit, they fell to 28th in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.4). While the secondary struggled due to injuries, youth, and a lack of depth, the defensive front shined with 51 sacks, good for fifth in the league. The only lacking area was consistent pressure on quarterbacks, which the Colts must address somehow.
Names like Samson Ebukam, DeForest Buckner, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Kwity Paye contributed to the team sacks more than anyone, as each notched eight-plus for 2023. However, depth and talented prospects should always be something Indy looks to add at edge rusher. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Indianapolis may address this through the upcoming draft for another pass rusher.
"A lot of buzz lately for #WesternMichigan edge Marshawn Kneeland, who has one of the busiest pre-draft itineraries you’ll see. He visited the #Texans, #Vikings, #Buccaneers, #Panthers and #Colts this week, part of a 16-team visit schedule for the late first-/early second-rounder."
Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland may be a defensive prospect some may not recognize. However, in his four years for the Broncos, he shined as a versatile member of the defensive front. To conclude his career, he notched 37 games and tallied 149 tackles (28.0 for loss), 12.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
In 2023 alone, Kneeland grabbed 37 quarterback pressures, 4.5 sacks, and a stellar 89.7 overall defensive grade, per Pro Football Focus. While the sack numbers don't jump off the page, the potential and versatility do. Similar to Indy's Ebukam, Kneeland is a constant when pressuring opposing passers. He also defends the run well, contributing in multiple ways to the defensive charge.
If the Colts decide to go Kneeland's way in the draft, it might be around round two when it happens. It also speaks volumes to what Indianapolis thinks of Paye. If Kneeland is drafted, the Colts may take a pass on Paye's fifth-year option, especially if the rookie erupts and supplants Paye somehow.
Kneeland is one of many prospects that the Colts have done homework on ahead of the draft. With the offense and defense needing talent and consistency, we'll see how Indianapolis addresses those voids in the draft while prepping for the 2024 season.
Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!
Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.
