PFF grades for Colts projected starting defense in 2026

Much of the attention at this stage of the NFL offseason is on looking ahead to the 2026 season, but let’s take a look back at 2025 for the Indianapolis Colts,  specifically how this year’s group of projected starters  on defense graded out by PFF’s metrics .

Last season, the Colts ‘ defense surrendered 24.2 points per game , which ranked 21st in the NFL. Injuries in the secondary hampered this unit, as did the lack of a consistent pass rush.

GM Chris Ballard entered the offseason wanting to get younger and faster on the defensive side of the ball, which led to a fair amount of roster turnover .

Below is a look at PFF’s grading system for some context. While this metric is very helpful when it comes to quantifying a player’s performance, PFF’s grading system isn’t the be-all and end-all either. It is one metric out of many that are out there to evaluate play.

• 39.9 or less: Poor

• 90.0+: Elite

• 80-89.9: High quality

• 70-79.9: Good

• 60-69.9: Above average

• 50-59.9: Average

• 40-49.9: Below average

• DE Laiatu Latu : 84.1

• DT DeForest Buckner : 74.0

• DT Grover Stewart : 57.3

• DE Arden Key : 63.7

• LB CJ Allen: 75.8**

• LB Akeem Davis-Gaither : 49.9

• CB Sauce Gardner : 77.5

• CB Charvarius Ward : 77.1

• CB Justin Walley : N/A (injured)

• S Cam Bynum: 70.8

• S AJ Haulcy: 86.6**

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: PFF grades for Colts projected starting defense in 2026