INDIANAPOLIS -- There have been quite a few questions raised on why the Indianapolis Colts did not pursue former New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
The Colts were never in the running for Wilfork, who signed with the Houston Texans on Monday, because they’re optimistic about Josh Chapman, Montori Hughes, Zach Kerr and Kelcy Quarles at defensive tackle.
Their focus is on finding another starting safety opposite of Mike Adams and adding depth at inside linebacker.
D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman, who was tendered a qualifying offer earlier this month, are expected to be the Colts’ starting inside linebackers. Who backs them up is still unclear. Shawn Loiseau and Henoc Muamba are the only other two inside linebackers on the roster.
Andrew Jackson was released last month after being charged in January with DUI, his second such charge in the past year. Josh McNary, who started four games in place of the injured Freeman last season, is facing rape charges and is on the commissioner's exempt list.
That’s why the Colts had former Denver Broncos insider linebacker Nate Irving in for a visit recently. He missed the final eight games last season because of a sprained MCL. Irving, a third-round pick in 2011, is only 26 years old and could help the Colts if he’s healthy. He was Denver’s starting middle linebacker before getting injured.
Like the rest of the free-agent market, the inside linebacker position is pretty thin right now. Rolando McClain, Brandon Spikes and Mason Foster are some of the other inside linebacker free agents available.
As far as the draft goes, neither Todd McShay nor Mel Kiper Jr. projects an inside linebacker to be selected in the first round.
Here’s a look at the top inside linebackers in the draft, according to Kiper
:
Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State, 72 tackles and 3.0 sacks
Stephone Anthony, Clemson, 74 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 interception
Denzel Perryman, Miami, 110 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 interception
Eric Kendricks, UCLA, 146 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 3 interceptions
Jake Ryan, 112 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 interception
