Can Jaylon Carlies Rise to the Challenge? Colts Linebackers Face Big Questions at Training Camp

Can Jaylon Carlies Step Up? Big Questions Loom for Colts Linebackers Ahead of Training Camp

Training camp is right around the corner, and for the Indianapolis Colts, this isn’t just another preseason—it’s a proving ground. Rookies hit the ground running on July 21st, while the veterans roll in on July 22nd. The real action begins on July 23rd, when the team gets their first official practice underway in what should be a telling start to the 2025 NFL season.

We’ve been diving deep into each position group on the Colts roster, evaluating where things stand and the big questions looming over each unit. We've already covered:

• Quarterbacks

• Running backs

• Wide receivers

• Tight ends

• Offensive line

• Defensive line

Now, it’s time to turn our attention to one of the most critical—and arguably most unpredictable—groups on the field: the linebackers.

🚨 The Spotlight Is On Jaylon Carlies: Is He Ready for a Full-Time Role?

Let’s be real. Zaire Franklin is the rock of this unit. He’s vocal, reliable, and experienced. But it’s the guy next to him who’s stirring the buzz: Jaylon Carlies, the former Missouri safety turned linebacker. And boy, does he have big shoes to fill.

Last season, Carlies operated primarily as the third linebacker in Gus Bradley’s 4-3 system. He got a few starts under his belt, especially when EJ Speed was out with injuries, but he wasn’t the full-time guy. That might change in 2025.

Now entering his second NFL season, Carlies is being eyed by Colts GM Chris Ballard as someone who could “really ascend” in this league. That’s a pretty bold statement, but it’s not without merit.

🧠 Smart, Fast, and Versatile

What makes Carlies such an intriguing option isn’t just his athleticism—though that’s definitely part of it. It’s his football IQ and his versatility, thanks to his background as a collegiate safety.

In coverage last year, Carlies held opposing receivers to just 6.0 yards per catch, according to PFF. That’s impressive, especially for a rookie linebacker still learning the ropes. His tackling was dependable, and he showed real promise defending the pass, which is gold in today’s NFL.

With the way the game is evolving, linebackers need to cover like safeties, and that’s where Carlies may carve out his niche.

⏳ Inexperience Is the Elephant in the Room

Now, let’s pump the brakes for a second. While the potential is obvious, Carlies still only has 242 defensive snaps on his resume. That’s it. No sugarcoating it—he’s green. And in a linebacker group that’s light on experience outside of Franklin, that could be risky.

But here’s the silver lining: Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme might be just what Carlies needs to thrive.

🧩 Perfect Fit in a New Defensive Era

Anarumo, the former Bengals defensive coordinator, is known for hybrid, coverage-heavy schemes. He loves to load up on defensive backs and force offenses into bad matchups. In that kind of system, linebackers don’t just plug run gaps—they roam, cover, and attack.

This is where Carlies could shine.

His ability to drop back in coverage, combined with solid tackling near the line of scrimmage, makes him a compelling piece in Anarumo’s chessboard. Picture him as a “Swiss Army knife” linebacker—able to blitz, cover tight ends, or even slide into nickel roles.

🩼 Recovery Mode: Can He Bounce Back from Offseason Surgery?

There’s one big cloud hanging over Carlies’ offseason: shoulder surgery.

He missed all of OTAs and minicamp while rehabbing. That’s significant. Sure, he was still in team meetings, soaking up the playbook, and mentally prepping. But as any player will tell you, there’s a huge difference between studying plays and actually running them on the field.

The Colts will need him to catch up fast once camp starts. And that’s a tall task, especially considering the complexity of the new defense being installed.

💥 Opportunity = Pressure

Let’s not ignore the reality here—Carlies is being handed a golden opportunity. But with opportunity comes pressure.

There’s no more hiding behind a veteran rotation. No more easing into snaps. If the Colts are going to make a real push in the AFC South this year, they’ll need their linebacker unit firing on all cylinders from day one. And that includes Carlies.

The front office believes in him. His skill set aligns perfectly with the scheme. And he’s got a mentor in Franklin who can guide him through the trenches. But at the end of the day, it’s on Carlies to prove he belongs.

📝 Recap: The Big Takeaways

Here’s a quick rundown of where things stand with the Colts linebackers as training camp approaches:

✅ Zaire Franklin is the anchor, no questions asked.
✅ Jaylon Carlies has the tools and upside to start full-time—but questions remain.
✅ Lou Anarumo’s defense could maximize Carlies’ skill set.
⛔ Inexperience and injury recovery are hurdles to watch.
💪 If Carlies hits his stride, this linebacker duo could surprise a lot of people.

🗓 What’s Next?

Everything comes into sharper focus starting July 23rd, when the pads go on and real competition begins.

Watch for Carlies during the first few practices. Is he getting reps with the first-team defense? Is he fully healthy and moving with confidence? Is the communication there with Franklin and the rest of the defense?

Those answers will come quickly—and could shape the entire identity of the Colts defense in 2025.