The NFL combine begins soon, running from Feb. 23 to March 2. To preview this important pre-draft event, we will be taking a position-by-position look at which prospects were invited and the level of need that the Indianapolis Colts have at each spot.
The NFL combine is held at Lucas Oil Stadium and is an opportunity for the top NFL draft prospects in this year’s class to go through measurements and various on-field drills, some of which are specific to their position group, and others measure the player’s overall athleticism.
For NFL teams, this event is another data point for them as they build out their draft profiles and big boards. However, it’s a significant data point, with players potentially flying up and down draft boards depending on how they perform.
In addition to the on-field drills, teams also get the opportunity to meet with players one-on-one as well, which is another important part of the evaluation process as they get to know them both on and off the field.
Up next in our preview are the linebackers.
Colts' linebackers under contract before free agency
- Zaire Franklin
- Jaylon Carlies
- Austin Ajiake
- Devin Versuk
- Joseph Vaughn
- John Bullock
What is the Colts' need at linebacker this offseason?
Addressing the linebacker position needs to be one of the items at the top of Ballard's offseason to-do list.
As of now, there is very little experience at this position outside of Zaire Franklin, who one NFL analyst named as a potential cut candidate.
In addition to that, a much greater coverage presence is needed here as well.
During Ballard's end-of-season press conference, while not specifically mentioning the linebacker position, he discussed the need to get younger and faster on defense. That would seem to apply directly to this spot.
Linebackers invited to 2026 NFL combine
- CJ Allen, Georgia
- Lander Barton, Utah
- Wesley Bissainthe, Miami
- Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
- Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
- Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
- Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
- Aiden Fisher, Indiana
- Eric Gentry, USC
- Jake Golday, Cincinnati
- Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma
- Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
- Justin Jefferson, Alabama
- Jack Kelly, BYU
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama
- Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
- Red Murdock, Buffalo
- Namdi Obiazor, TCU
- Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
- Arvell Reese, Ohio State
- Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
- Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
- Karson Sharar, Iowa
- Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
- Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- Josiah Trotter, Missouri
- Scooby Williams, Texas A&M
- Wade Woodaz, Clemson
- Taurean York, Texas A&M
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: List of linebackers invited to 2026 NFL combine