What pressing question still faces the Indianapolis Colts following the 2026 NFL draft?
Each of ESPN's NFL Nation reporters answered that for each of their respective teams. When it came to the Colts, Stephen Holder questioned whether enough has been done at the pass rusher position.
With Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis all exiting in free agency, along with more consistency needed from the defensive end position in 2026, GM Chris Ballard was active in adding to this unit this offseason.
He signed Arden Key and Michael Clemons in free agency and then drafted George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry over the weekend.
After the Colts finished 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric last season, more consistency opposite of Laiatu Latu is needed. But even with all the additions made, did the Colts accomplish that?
That remains to be seen. As of now, Key and Jaylahn Tuimoloau will likely be competing for that starting role while Clemons, Gumbs, and Curry provide depth.
"The Colts let multiple veteran pass rushers walk in free agency, and it remains to be seen whether 2025 second-round choice Jaylahn Tuimoloau can adequately take over a starting job opposite Laiatu Latu. Indianapolis selected two edge rushers in this draft -- George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry -- but they were fifth- and sixth-round picks, respectively," wrote Holder. "Will a viable veteran become available in postdraft roster cuts?"
For the reasons mentioned, still looking to add to this unit does make sense, but between Latu, Key, Clemons, Gumbs, Tuimoloau, and Curry, that's already six defensive ends on the roster. If an outside addition is made, who would the Colts cut? I can't imagine them rostering seven defensive ends.
Odds are, the players already on the roster will have to provide the consistency that the Colts need at the defensive end position.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What is question Colts must still answer after 2026 NFL draft?
