Jaylon Carlies Could Be Forgotten Solution Colts Need at Linebacker

The linebacker position, equal to the defensive edge spot, is in dire need of more starter-level talent for the Indianapolis Colts.

After trading Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers, and without Germaine Pratt re-signing, the room became insanely thin. This led to the squad signing long-time Lou Anarumo disciple, Akeem Davis-Gaither.

However, this still leaves another linebacker-sized hole in the defense. Everyone is now pointing to names like Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday, Josiah Trotter, and Kyle Louis as possible Day 2 or 3 answers in the upcoming NFL draft.

However, in an interview with Larra Overton, general manager Chris Ballard brought up another option, a player who's already in a Colts uniform as a potential solution to the void.

That defender is Jaylon Carlies.

"We'd really like to see JC (Jaylon Carlies). JC's gotta stay healthy, but we think he's got the skillset to be a really good inside 'backer."

#Colts GM Chris Ballard on the current outlook at linebacker:

“We’ve got some young guys in the locker room…There are still a couple of free agents we’ll consider.”

“We’d really like to see Jaylon Carlies. He’s gotta stay healthy but we think he has the skill set for ILB.” pic.twitter.com/HC2N7EUWDt
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) March 31, 2026

Ballard receives a ton of criticism, as he should. However, one area he's constantly nailed without fail is the linebacker position. Even when it doesn't appear as if the player will turn into much more than a rotational player.

Shaq Leonard (Round 2), Bobby Okereke (Round 3), Anthony Walker (Round 5), Zaire Franklin (Round 7), and E.J. Speed (Round 5) stand out the most. As for Carlies, he was a fifth-round pick in 2024 out of Missouri.

Carlies was a safety converted to linebacker, so concerns over his size and ability to defend the run were among the most prominent. However, while he only saw 10 games in his rookie year, he showed promise in his transition.

He finished 2024 with 36 tackles, 1.0 sacks, a pass breakup, and a QB hit while also starting six games. His season was cut short by a fibula injury that landed him on Injured Reserve.

It appeared as if Carlies was poised for a bigger role in year two, but injuries and a curious lack of playing time followed him instead.

Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (blue and white uniform) makes a tackle on the field. — Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (18) during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images-Imagn Images

Carlies suffered a shoulder injury during the 2025 offseason that required surgery. Then, he injured his ankle which took away nearly his entire sophomore campaign with the Colts.

After returning, Carlies was a healthy scratch against the Seattle Seahawks and hardly saw any playing time. He finished year two with three games played and one assisted tackle.

The good news for Carlies is that he's had some time to reset and learn behind Franklin and Pratt, two veterans who have had success during their tenures in the pros.

Carlies is just 24 and has immense potential as a linebacker in Anarumo's scheme, especially in the coverage department. Not since Leonard has Indianapolis had a truly capable coverage linebacker with the ceiling to take the football away.

Carlies demonstrated this coverage ability in 2024, and his Pro Football Focus metric reflects it. He was active on 86 coverage snaps and notched a fantastic 83.1 grade.

Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (white and blue jersey) rests before a practice starts. — Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Carlies has agility, speed, and coverage abilities that many NFL linebackers don't have. If he can stay healthy, as Ballard stated in his interview with Overton, then perhaps he can become the starter alongside Davis-Gaither.

Even if Carlies is that guy, Indianapolis would still be wise to add more depth via free agency or the upcoming draft. Minus Davis-Gaither and Carlies, the linebacker room has unproven or lesser talents like Austin Ajiake and John Bullock.

But, if Carlies is capable of starting, it would ease the pressure of Indianapolis needing to search for another answer at the position.

After what Ballard had to say on Carlies, he'll become a name to watch as he journeys into his third campaign with the Colts.

With how unbelievably thin Indy's linebacking corps is, Carlies has a golden opportunity to bounce back from two injury-filled years to become the solution the Colts need at the second defensive level.

Sign Up For the Colts Daily Digest - OnSI’s Indianapolis Colts Newsletter