5 defensive positions for Colts could feature new starters in 2026

The Indianapolis Colts may have prioritized re-signing Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce this offseason, but the roster experienced quite a bit of turnover -- especially on defense.And with that, of the 11 starters on the defensive side of the ball, five of them could be new in 2026, with several having little to no NFL experience.Up front, with Kwity Paye now in Las Vegas, Arden Key and Jaylahn Tuimoloau are competing for the starting role next to Laiatu Latu.

Key has been a solid contributor throughout his career, but hasn't produced at a high level, which is what the Colts need. Tuimoloau played just 215 defensive snaps as a rookie.At the second level, the Colts will have two new starting linebackers.

CJ Allen is presumably going to be the MIKE, while during minicamp, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, and Bryce Boettcher all saw opportunities with the ones.Then at nickel cornerback, Justin Walley will be taking over for Kenny Moore. Walley, Allen, and Boettcher have no NFL experience, while Carlies has played just over 200 snaps.

On the back end, the starting role next to Cam Bynum is up for grabs with Nick Cross leaving in free agency. The favorite appears to be rookie AJ Haulcy, although Jonathan Owens, Hunter Wohler, and Juanyeh Thomas are in the mix as well. Early in the offseason, GM Chris Ballard said he wanted to get younger and faster on defense, and he's accomplished that.

However, with inexperience comes unknowns, and there is some risk involved with that approach, particularly for a Colts team that must win now.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster: Up to 5 defensive position groups with new, inexperienced starters