The Indianapolis Colts signed just seven undrafted free agents after making nine selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Ohio State and Kansas linebacker Craig Young was a standout signing at a position that lacks terrific depth. Young could make the Colts’ 53-man roster.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard didn’t go on a spending spree in undrafted free agency, but Young did receive a decent-sized contract. The local Fort Wayne native signed a deal that contained $60,000 in guarantees according to Spotrac, making him Ballard’s second-highest-paid UDFA. The money is notable enough to increase his chances of making the team.
Young wasn't invited to the NFL Combine, but he did perform at Kansas' pro day. The Jayhawks standout ran an outstanding 4.56 40 and 2.64 20-yard split at 226 pounds. The undersized playmaker also posted elite results in the vertical (37 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-8) drills.
Craig Young is a LB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 7.04 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 855 out of 2889 LB from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/8tuTdHpW4s pic.twitter.com/p6QJI0hAJi
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 22, 2024
Young is a versatile defender experienced in playing both safety and linebacker. He totaled more than 100 tackles across two seasons at Kansas, including 11 tackles for loss. Young also added 6.0 sacks and eight passes defensed to his numbers. He previously played at Ohio State, where he recorded a 70-yard pick-six against Maryland in 2021.
Special teams is often the quickest pathway for an undrafted rookie to prove he belongs on the field. Young began playing a sizable role on special teams for the Buckeyes during his freshman 2019 season. Young possesses the profile of a potential NFL gunner with a red-hot motor and overall sense of urgency, traits that could quickly allow him to carve out a role.
The Colts have two confirmed starters as off-ball linebackers in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s 4-3 base scheme. Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed are underrated stars at the position. The likes of Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone could find themselves in a position battle for the third and final spot. Olubi showed promise as a downhill run defender last season. McGrone was a 2021 fifth-rounder out of Michigan. Young should get in the mix for competition spots behind them.
Three-time Pro Bowler Shaquille Leonard was actually Indianapolis' third-most snapped linebacker (455) last season. The Colts released Leonard midway through the campaign in November, admitting defeat on their former first-team All-Pro defender, who has suffered from recurring back injuries in recent years. His late-season departure has created competition for the 2024 campaign.
Fifth-round rookie Jaylon Carlies is a safety-turned-linebacker. Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Grant Stuard are also in the mix. Stuard was the Colts' most-used player on special teams (350) last season. Liam Anderson and Austin Ajiake are also currently on the 90-man roster.
The Colts roster 10 total players at off-ball linebacker. It's a position room that features quantity but lacks proven quality outside of Franklin and Speed. The unknowns should allow Young to compete throughout training camp and the preseason.
Two other Colts undrafted free agents worth monitoring are offensive lineman Dalton Tucker and wide receiver Xavier White.
