In ESPN’s Future Power Ranking projections, they had a “nugget to know” section for each team where they highlighted a key player or stat. For the Colts, Aaron Schatz mentioned the play of linebacker EJ Speed.
Among all linebackers last season, Schatz notes that Speed ranked 20th in coverage DVOA and he also allowed only 3.2 yards surrendered on his average tackle in the run game, which ranked 17th.
Speed was splitting time at linebacker for the first part of the 2023 season but then took over as the full time starter when the team moved on from Shaq Leonard. Oftentimes, when the Colts needed a big play, Speed came through.
Speed finished the season totaling seven pressures, making 102 total tackles, including 12 for a loss, and holding pass-catchers to just 7.4 yards per catch. He also forced three fumbles and had four pass breakups.
Despite not being a regular starter for the entire year, Speed would still rank 17th at his position group in PFF’s run-stop metric.
“Just getting more comfortable becoming me,” said Speed on where he wants to improve, “and just the little things that came with low repetitions just starting to flourish. I think I played well. There were sometimes where, somethings that I needed to work on.
“I analyzed those over the offseason, and I’m ready to correct them. Just keep going on with my career, man. It’s been a ride. Just keep going on and putting my best foot forward.”
At 29 years old, Speed is entering the final year of his deal and will be a free agent in 2025. The only addition the Colts made at linebacker this offseason was selecting Jaylon Carlies in the fifth-round, showing the confidence that they have in Speed to build off of last year’s performance.
“No, I don’t think too much about it,” said Speed about his contract situation during his media availability. “As long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to all that stuff will work out itself. I’m trying to win something, actually.”
