Big question facing Colts linebacker position heading into minicamp

Mandatory minicamp will take place for the Indianapolis Colts from June 9-11. This is often the last big milestone in the NFL offseason calendar before training camp arrives in late July.

Through the first two weeks of OTA practices, we’ve gained some valuable insights into where things stand on the depth chart, along with who may be standing out early on, but questions at each position group remain, and that’s normal at this time of the year. It won’t be until training camp and the preseason take place that playing time and final roster decisions are made.

So as part of our Colts‘ minicamp preview, let’s highlight the one big question facing each position group. Next up are the linebackers.

What we know right now is that CJ Allen will be the Colts‘ MIKE linebacker, who will likely wear the green dot for the defense.

But beyond that, there seem to be a lot of unknowns.

I would anticipate that Akeem Davis-Gaither starts next to Allen, given his NFL experience and experience operating in Lou Anarumo’s defense. However, in search of competition, the Colts could look to rookie Bryce Boettcher to push Davis-Gaither for playing time.

After those three, everything seems to be completely up in the air. Austin Ajiake has special teams experience, which could be an advantage. Jaylon Carlies is a recent draft pick who brings some coverage ability to the position as a former college safety.

The Colts also seem very bullish on UDFA linebackers West Weeks and Tahj Chambers.

We also don’t know how many of these linebackers make the 53-man roster. Last year, the Colts went light on the initial 53-man, rostering only four. Do they keep five this year?