Zaire Franklin

It took some time for Franklin to get a chance to play full-time on the defensive side of the ball, but he emerged as one of the most prolific tacklers in the league in 2022. It would have been fair to question if a repeat was coming in 2023, but he doubled down on his production by topping 1,000 snaps for the second straight season while finishing second in the league with 179 tackles. Franklin doesn't offer much in terms of pass rush or work in coverage, but he'll stuff the stat sheet with stops weekly, making him one of the most valuable IDP players available. The Colts boast an elite defensive line, so Franklin should have no trouble continuing to crash down on ball carriers with little resistance from the opposing offensive line.

Franklin had a breakout season by setting the franchise record for tackles in a single season moving into an every-down role after star linebacker Shaquille Leonard was lost for the season after three games due to a neck injury. Franklin tallied a career-high 167 stops (102 solo), three sacks and six passes defended over 17 games. With fellow linebacker and Indianapolis' second-leading tackler Bobby Okereke (151) departing in free agency, Franklin should be in store for another prominent role alongside Leonard during the 2023 campaign.

Franklin won the starting strong-side linebacker role in the preseason, but he came off the field in nickel and dime packages, which limits his fantasy upside. He appeared in 17 games for the Colts last season and totaled 40 tackles (21 solo), two pass deflections and one interception. He figures to garner a similar role alongside Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke during the 2022 campaign.

Franklin will compete for the starting strong-side role linebacker role in training camp after the departure of Anthony Walker. Franklin mostly worked in a reserve role last season, but he impressed against the run. He struggled against the pass by allowing 14 receptions on 16 targets, according to Pro Football Focus, so he could come off the field in nickel and dime formations.