​Much of the NFL offseason chatter has been about the 2026 season, but this piece takes a look back at 2025 for the Indianapolis Colts, focusing on how this year’s projected defensive starters fared according to PFF’s grading. Last season, the Colts allowed 24.2 points per game, ranking 21st in the league. Injuries in the secondary and an inconsistent pass rush hindered the unit. GM Chris Ballard aimed to get younger and faster on defense in the offseason, which led to considerable roster turnover. The article provides context on PFF’s grading system, noting that while it’s a useful tool for quantifying performance, it is just one metric among many. PFF’s scale is as follows: 39.9 or less = Poor; 40–49.9 = Below average; 50–59.9 = Average; 60–69.9 = Above average; 70–79.9 = Good; 80–89.9 = High quality; 90.0+ = Elite. The 2025 PFF grades for Colts’ projected defensive starters are: Laiatu Latu (DE) 84.1; DeForest Buckner (DT) 74.0; Grover Stewart (DT) 57.3; Arden Key (DE) 63.7; CJ Allen (LB) 75.8; Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB) 49.9; Sauce Gardner (CB) 77.5; Charvarius Ward (CB) 77.1; Justin Walley (CB) N/A (injured); Cam Bynum (S) 70.8; AJ Haulcy (S) 86.6. The article notes that these grades reflect college-level PFF scoring. This piece originally appeared on Colts Wire under the SEO-friendly headline “PFF grades for Colts projected starting defense in 2026.”