Colts Draft Grade

(Kirby Lee | Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Following the Colts draft, opinions are running wild. As fans from the outside looking in, try to gauge what these moves mean for the make-or-break Indianapolis Colts in 2026. Did general manager Chris Ballard set the team up for success or failure? Here’s what I think. 

Second Round – pick 53 (via Pittsburgh): CJ Allen – LB – Georgia 

Grade: A 

A consensus top linebacker fell right into the hands of the Colts after trading down from pick 47 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. CJ Allen’s aggressive play style is exactly what the Colts needed at the shallow linebacker position on their roster.  

During the mock draft process, I foolishly overlooked Allen landing with the team due to his talent. I consistently grouped him with the likes of Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles in rankings, so the thought of a prospect like Allen falling to the Colts escaped me. But that’s the draft for you. So, to say the Colts got a steal is putting it lightly. 

Chris Ballard described CJ Allen as a green dot guy for them in the scouting process. Then commenting on his ability to come in and play as a freshman at Georgia. Allen clearly presents himself as the answer to the Colts' problem of not having an every down linebacker. Even if he may need to improve his mobility, he still finds ways to swarm to the ball carrier if they break free and follow along routes in an impressive manner. He is a workhorse, leader, and a rookie that is sure to bring that relentless, vicious Georgia bulldog energy.  

Third Round – pick 78: A.J Haulcy – S – LSU 

Grade: B- 

A.J. Haulcy was a surprise, but a good one in that. The Colts have made a point of acquiring as much depth at safety as possible. This can be seen as Chris Ballard trying to effectively replace recent departures Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II. And now, they may have just found their starter. “Mr. Give me that”, as Haulcy calls himself, is a magnet for interceptions and game swaying defensive plays. Paired beside Cam Bynum, the new safety duo looks to be quite promising. Haulcy reads as if he was created to be a professional football player, maintaining his hard hitting style of play on every down. Even if a receiver gets into the open field, Haulcy has the skill to close the gap and make the play. 

Haulcy was yet another prospect off my radar due to his skill and where the Colts were positioned need wise. Haulcy's productivity and flexibility present a new surefire weapon for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Seeing as he started on every team he transferred to, (New Mexico, Houston and LSU) speaks to his ability as a playmaker and the overall person Haulcy is. At worst he is a rotational player, but Haulcy’s ceiling is exactly where you want it to be for a third-round steal. Like CJ Allen, he is exactly what the Colts needed.  

Fourth Round – pick 113: Jalen Farmer – G – Kentucky 

Grade: C+ 

Colts offensive lineman coach, Tony Soprano Jr. Clearly had an influence on this decision. It provides the Colts with more flexibility, depth, and a clear edge on competition.  

When drafted, Colts CEO Carlie Irsay even said ‘you should have been drafted higher’, which should provide any avid fan with some assurance in the pick. But I however worry that the Colts may have unchecked confidence, ignoring prospects that could have provided the sought after difference maker; perhaps preventing another collapse like we saw last year for the Colts. But then again, injuries do happen and having that extra bit of cushion is not bad in the slightest. But maybe more so underwhelming, with so many fan favorites still on the board in the fourth round. 

But the more you look into the type of player Farmer is, you start to notice the potential with him already using a great amount of power, driving defenders into the turf, staying low and positioning himself to be the yearned for alternative anchor player on the offensive line. While he may lack awareness now, Tony Soprano can surely turn him into the desired swing tackle on the right side that the Colts are working to gain In Farmer.  

Fourth Round – pick 135 (via Pittsburgh): Bryce Boettcher – LB – Oregon 

Grade: C- 

The Colts double dip at linebacker with Oregon prospect Bryce Boettcher. A productive player for the Ducks to say the least, posting up over 130 tackles in 2025. His two-sport athlete background in baseball and football makes him an even more fitting candidate for the Colts to have taken a swing on. Boettcher does have some predictability issues, getting caught up in the moment on certain passing plays. But his never say die attitude makes it easier to expect growth at the position, feasibly developing his pass coverage skills to make him a better all around player, rather than another plug and play type backer. 

Boettcher provides a unique blend of adaptability to meaningful reps, thus starting on defense while also being able to provide a healthy amount of support on special teams. The Colts needed a complete overhaul in the linebacker room, so getting Boettcher maintains the ‘younger and faster’ mantra put forth by Ballard ahead of the draft. 

He will undoubtedly compete for a starting role on the defense with the likes of Hunter Wohler, Jalon Carlies and more. 

Fifth Round – pick 156: George Gumbs Jr. - EDGE – Florida 

Grade: B- 

After a semi long wait for the Colts, they got their edge rusher in Gumbs Jr. Standing at 6’4, 245 lbs., Gumbs Jr. offers an option in packages hopefully propelling the Colts’ ability to get home to the quarterback. Is he the alternative to Laiatu Latu on the left end? Maybe, but there is a lot left to be desired. Gumbs Jr. did broadly fine across the board at the combine, with his speed being the most awe inspiring, posting a 4.66 40-time. 

Gumbs Jr’s words to Shane Steichen summarize how much it means to him to just to get a chance, to put it simply. “You got a dawg” and “I’m right where I need to be” are the two moments from the life changing phone call with the Colts that are sure to fire you up as a fan.  

Possibly with the Colts ushering in a new wave of attack under newly hired defensive line coach Marion Hobby, you bank on Gumbs Jr.’s development, but his ability to mold into a legitimate threat for the Colts could be limited due to Gumbs Jr. being a 23 year old rookie, and his linebacker body type. But the Colts should be able to get decent play out of him as rookie minicamp approaches. George Gumbs Jr. is sure to have a determined mindset entering the Colts facility on his first day, eager to prove any doubters wrong. 

Sixth Round – pick 214 (via Pittsburgh): Caden Curry – EDGE – Ohio State 

Grade: C 

Caden Curry is now reunited with Ohio State teammate Jaylahn "JT" Tuimoloau. So, it will be interesting to see what they can get out of each other as they both effectively fight for a roster spot.  

NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper noted that perhaps what kept Curry out of the first or second round is his arm's length. An intangible that Ballard and company most certainly do not run away from, drafting numerous short armed defensive ends over their tenure in Indianapolis. But it’s more than just his arm length; it’s his technique, and fluidity that has grounded him.  

But there is a lot to like about the upside Curry does have. He can consistently diagnose plays, and has great durability, holding up well throughout longer seasons, which is more than needed in Indianapolis. He intimidates linemen using his sheer strength to knock players off their assignments. If he can put it all together at the next level, then he is more than capable of having a long career ahead of him. 

Seventh Round – pick 237: Seth McGowan – RB - Kentucky 

Grade: C- 

In a room with Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, and now McGowan, it is obvious that a lot of potential lies with the backups of the group.  

McGowan’s 6ft build makes him all the more interesting of a running back prospect for the Colts to take a swing on. The extent of his power, burst, and elusiveness is all on tape. Thriving in small spaces and is quite a decorated player at 24 years old. And for him to not be the only reliability in the backfield will only work in his favor. Standing on the outside of being an every down running back. 

McGowan has been to quite a few schools during his colligate career, so his determination is palpable. To start everywhere he attended school wise, is admirable and definitely stands out. That does not discount his past though, as his involvement in a robbery, while pleading guilty to larceny is most certainly still something to note and or monitor. But Ballard told reporters that he is a man of second chances, and with McGowan having rebuilt his career from the ground up before, his potential as a back in the league is up to him. 

Seventh Round – pick 254: Deon Burks – WR – Oklahoma 

Grade: A+ 

With how everything played out for Indianapolis, I thought the Colts would truly skip over drafting a wideout. Possibly leave it to free agency, or maybe Ballard convinced himself that it was a given that someone in the group would step up? Sure enough the Colts get an absolute steal in Deon Burks out of Oklahoma. 

His production was nothing out of this world during his time at Purdue and Oklahoma, but that was partially due to inconsistent quarterback play. Despite this, he made his presence known with his quickness and route running ability, making it nearly impossible to ignore his hard work as a receiver. His 4.30 40-time clearly did him some favors as well, with Shane Steichen taking note of it, recently advocating for Burks' post draft.  

The only thing that could have held him back from being a higher pick aside from numbers is his overall build, being close to that Josh Downs, T.Y Hilton stature. Nonetheless, I can easily see him fighting his way into that role with Downs getting the number 2 spot and other rotational pieces floating around trying to find their place on the team. Burks himself said that the Colts got a leader, and a great player, so seeing as it was a seventh-round pick, it is a low-risk high reward situation for the Colts. Which they have not seen many of as of late. 

Overall Grade: B 

Consensus:  

What Chris Ballard and the crew were able to do with a unique set of circumstances was inspiring. At times, it felt as if the Colts were intentionally letting good talent slip by without a second thought - most likely because they were eyeing very specific players. 

To that point, don’t forget what Chris Ballard said earlier in the week: too many teams let quality players pass them by because they overcompensate for positional needs. With that in mind, it’s understandable for fans to feel somewhat underwhelmed. 

That said, I remain cautiously - if not – nauseously optimistic about this draft class. I’m pleased with how everything turned out once it was all said and done, especially the effort Ballard put into acquiring solid, foundational pieces rather than strictly adhering to a rigid philosophy. Even if I got caught up in the moment wanting a handful of specific players, I still believe there’s a strong chance that most, if not all, of these new Colts make the roster and stick. 

In my opinion, this group feels more established than a typical class of draftees. 

You really can’t help but be excited to see what comes from the competition this spring. It brings a new energy and identity to the team after such a soul-sucking collapse this past season. 

If you're interested in being notified when the next article comes out, be sure to scroll down to the "Free Subscription" form and subscribe, we hope you enjoyed!