The Indianapolis Colts went on a great run at times during the 2025 season, led by quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor. They concluded the year 8-9, but injuries were a major part of their lackluster. Now they’ve geared up and added to their roster via the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s the breakdown.
Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL Draft Grades
2nd Round (53 overall): CJ Allen, Linebacker, UGA
The Colts didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to them trading that pick and their 2027 first-round pick and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. They added some help to the defense as they drafted linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia, in the second round.
It was a surprise that Allen wasn’t picked earlier as he was a Butkus Award Finalist in 2025, along with being named AP First Team All-American and First Team All-Sec. The pick makes sense because the Colts traded away linebacker Zaire Franklin recently. Now Allen can assume a leadership role on the defense as a rookie.
Colts Draft Grade: A
3rd Round (78 Overall): AJ Haulcy, Safety, LSU
AJ Haulcy was a very productive player while at LSU, totaling 89 tackles, 4 pass deflections and 3 interceptions, being named All-Sec in 2025. Indianapolis had a void in the secondary with the departure of Nick Cross. But Haulcy has shown that he can make an impact in a multitude in the secondary, either at free or strong safety. He joins a secondary with All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Colts Draft Grade: B-
4th Round (113 Overall): Jalen Farmer, Guard, Kentucky
The Colts have done well regarding offensive guards, such as potential future Hall of Famer Quenton Nelson. Farmer will be aligned with an already stout offensive line, but this could be a learning opportunity whether he sees the field much this season or not. Farmer adds great qualities to the offensive line, especially in pass blocking as he had a 0.2 pressure rate in 2025 on 416 pass blocks.
Colts Draft Grade: C
4th Round (135 overall): Bryce Boettcher, Linebacker, Oregon
The Colts seem to be trying to sure up their linebacker core with the addition of Boettcher. That’s two linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Boettcher is a player that excels at inside linebacker but could be placed outside if necessary. Boettcher had 131 total tackles in 2025. Alongside CJ Allen, that tandem has the talent to be one of the league’s best among rookies.
Colts Draft Grade: B-
5th Round (156 Overall): George Gumbs Jr., Defensive End, Florida
Indianapolis seems to have an already solidified defensive line but Gumbs Jr. could be a depth/rotational piece. Gumbs Jr. did not have chart a lot of stats at Florida in 2025, only accumulating 2.5 sacks but he has the potential to be a playmaker due to his athleticism and strength.
Colts Draft Grade: D
6th Round (214 Overall): Caden Curry, Defensive End, Ohio State
Indianapolis continued to add depth to the front seven with Caden Curry. Curry a former CFB National Champion, was a key contributor at Ohio State in 2024, accumulating 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. In 2025, Curry had 11 sacks. Curry, at 6 foot 3, 257 pounds, has talent and can be a force for the Colts’ defense.
Colts Draft Grade: C-
7th Round (237 Overall): Seth McGowan, Running Back, Kentucky
McGowan was a productive player at Kentucky in 2025, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns to go with 725 yards. McGowan would be a rotational player for the Colts, as they already have a starting running back in Jonathan Taylor who is one of the best in the NFL.
Colts Draft Grade: C-
7th Round (254 overall): Deion Burks, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Deion Burks is an undersized receiver but what he lacks in stature, he gains in speed, running a 4.30 40-yard dash. Burks can be a gadget player for the Colts, primarily lining up the slot but he could also get opportunities outside. The Colts have a deep threat that can keep the defense on its heels.
Colts Draft Grade: C+
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