The Indianapolis Colts are heading into year two of Lou Anarumo's multiple defense, a unit that prides itself on complexity from all position groups.While his specialization resides in the defensive backfield, Anarumo has been able to modernize his defense so that each position is required to have enough versatility to use throughout each level of the field.In essence, though he'll utilize any specialist player as he sees fit, Anarumo prefers to have as many defensive chess pieces at his disposal so that he can muddy the water for opposing quarterbacks.The Colts' second-year defensive coordinator joined JJ Stankevitz on The Colts Show to break down some of his most important defenders for the upcoming season, providing one-word descriptors as well as some additional thoughts along the way.Follow along as we cover each of the seven Colts defenders that Lou Anarumo chatted about in this recent interview.1. Linebacker CJ AllenNov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) celebrates after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
| Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesIn One Word: IntensityAnarumo pointed out how he had recently watched the Indianapolis Colts' behind the scenes video that covered the draft process, and when he got to the CJ Allen portion of said video, included footage of Allen's pre-game antics reaffirmed Anarumo's belief in his leadership qualities even as a rookie.Speaking of responsibilities as a rookie, CJ Allen has been slated to become Anarumo's next green dot of the defense since the moment he was drafted. A massive void remained after losing their longtime starter and leader of the defense in linebacker Zaire Franklin earlier this offseason, but Anarumo is confident that Allen could slot in nicely even if he were to win the job."It certainly adds more to his plate," Anarumo explained. "As a playcaller, you try not to give too much information, you know you want to give the playcall and then maybe a couple of reminders...I think especially with a young guy, less is more. So, we would take that approach if that's the route we go."2. Safety A.J. HaulcySafety AJ Haulcy 13 interception as LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIn One Word: BallerThe Colts entered draft weekend with an opening at strong safety following Nick Cross's departure to Washington in free agency, but Lou Anarumo is excited about the prospect of third-round draft selection A.J. Haulcy sliding into that role."He's all over the field when you watch the tape," Anarumo began breaking down Haulcy's game."He can be physical at the point of attack, makes plays on the ball in backend playing deep zone. He's everything you want in a safety.Anarumo had garnered a reputation of preferring experience over potential for his defense, resulting in veterans playing over younger players and especially rookies, but Haulcy presents a well-traveled profile in year one that suggests he'll be able to start out of the gate.3. Cornerback Sauce GardnerDec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesIn One Word: ConfidentIndianapolis made a blockbuster deal for star cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline last season, famously trading away a haul that included the Colts' next two first-round picks along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.Although the Colts only saw Gardner start four games in his first (half) season, Lou Anarumo is excited to get him and his confidence back into the mix as he returns from a nagging calf injury that caused him to miss time in the Colts' second half of the season."Well, I think at that position, if you don't have that mindset or aura about you when you step on the field, you know, you're playing the hardest position on the field other than quarterback because the rules are against you, you're backpedaling while the other guy is going forward and knows where he's going, and you can't touch [the passcatcher]," Anarumo said of Gardner's necessary mindset."He walks around like he knows he's good, and that's because he is."4. Defensive tackle DeForest BucknerSep 14, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) celebrates a tackle against Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesIn One Word: ConsistentThe Colts' star defensive tackle missed the majority of the Colts' second half of the 2025 season as he nursed a herniated disc injury to his neck. DeForest Buckner has now missed 5+ games in each of the past two seasons, otherwise he's been as durable and dependable as can be throughout his ten-year career thus far.Lou Anarumo struggled to find just one word to describe Buckner, as he views the veteran defensive tackle as the straw that stirs the drink on defense."You could use a hundred words for him -- dominant, consistent, etc. -- he's everything a professional football player at the highest level embodies," said Anarumo."Buck's everything you want, and we're so fortunate that he's recovering through this process. We're excited to see a healthy [DeForest] Buckner out there next year."5. Defensive end Laiatu LatuSep 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) celebrates a sack during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
