Colts Eyeing TCU Linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr in NFL Draft

Indianapolis team reportedly 'very high' on athletic LB prospect ahead of Day 2 selection

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:35am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a linebacker's explosive movements and impact on the field into sharp, overlapping geometric planes.A cubist interpretation of a linebacker's raw power and impact on the game.Indianapolis Today

According to reports, the Indianapolis Colts are among several NFL teams that are 'very high' on TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Elarms-Orr, a 6'2", 234-pound senior, is projected to be a Day 2 pick after a standout senior season in which he recorded 130 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks.

Why it matters

The Colts have a significant need at linebacker after the departures of veteran starters Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt in free agency. Elarms-Orr could be an ideal target for the Colts, who don't have a first-round pick, to address that position of need on Day 2 of the draft.

The details

Elarms-Orr is described as a linebacker with 'above-average athleticism but problematic instincts.' He has the speed and range to make plays from sideline to sideline, but has struggled at times with recognizing blocking schemes and play development. However, he's shown talent as a blitzer and in coverage, making him an intriguing prospect worth further development.

  • Elarms-Orr recorded his standout senior season in 2025.
  • He impressed at pre-draft events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.

The players

Kaleb Elarms-Orr

A 6'2", 234-pound senior linebacker from TCU who earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after recording 130 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks.

Akeem Davis-Gaither

A veteran linebacker signed by the Colts in free agency this offseason to help replace the departures of Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt.

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What they’re saying

“Kaleb Elarms-Orr of TCU and Trey Moore from Texas are receiving a lot of positive chatter in the scouting community and could end up being selected higher in the draft than most presently predict.”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Draft Analyst

“Elarms-Orr is a pure off-ball linebacker whose game and draft stock have taken off over the past nine months. Entering the season graded anywhere from the late rounds to the middle of Day 3, Elarms-Orr turned in a terrific senior campaign and then stood out in pre-draft scouting events such as the Senior Bowl and combine. He's cemented himself as a Day 2 pick and could slide into the initial 60 picks.”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Colts will continue to evaluate Elarms-Orr and other linebacker prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could target him with one of their second-round picks to address a key need on their defense.

The takeaway

The Colts' interest in Elarms-Orr highlights their need to rebuild their linebacker corps after key departures in free agency. Selecting the athletic TCU prospect on Day 2 could provide a long-term solution at the position.