INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts leaned heavily on SEC-tested talent and defensive upgrades in the 2026 NFL draft, a strategy that earned a “B+” grade from EasySportz’s in-house NFL analyst in its team-by-team evaluation.
Indianapolis, without a first-round pick, opened in the second round by selecting linebacker C.J. Allen, followed by safety A.J. Haulcy in the third and guard Jalen Farmer in the fourth, addressing key needs with experienced, high-level competition backgrounds.
The Colts added linebacker Bryce Boettcher later in the fourth, edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. in the fifth and defensive lineman Caden Curry in the sixth before closing with running back Seth McGowan and wide receiver Deion Burks in the seventh.
EasySportz’s analyst highlighted Allen and Haulcy as potential early starters, noting Allen’s sideline-to-sideline ability and Haulcy’s ball production. The report also emphasized the team’s focus on physical, SEC-heavy prospects, a theme consistent throughout the class.
National evaluations aligned closely, with analysts pointing to strong value and immediate contributors despite the absence of a first-round selection.
Overall, the Colts’ draft was viewed as a physical, defense-first class with multiple early-impact players and depth across the roster, reflected in the analyst’s B+ grade.
