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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Indianapolis Colts, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Indianapolis Colts 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Colts addressed arguably their most glaring need with the selection of CJ Allen (second round). He is expected to immediately take over for middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, who was traded to Green Bay. Franklin wore the green dot in Indy, and Allen was trusted with the same role at Georgia, so he should be capable of filling those shoes for the Colts. Allen’s football IQ and anticipation skills are his greatest strengths and help make up for his modest size and athletic traits. As a rookie, Allen’s ability to play downhill and defend the run should immediately be an asset. However, his coverage skills are a work in progress, as he doesn’t have elite range and lacks the length to consistently get his arms into passing lanes or contest at the catch point.
The Colts took a risk with the selection of A.J. Haulcy (third round) because it looks like he will be forced into an immediate starting role at strong safety, a role he did not play in college. The 222-pound Haulcy clearly has the size to play in the box 一 and did occasionally walk down in the box at LSU, Houston, and New Mexico 一 but was primarily lined up in the deep secondary where his ball-hawk skills were put to good use. Despite his size, Haulcy missed 17% of his tackles last year, one of the worst rates among this year’s class of safeties, which clearly raises a red flag given his expected role.
Jalen Farmer (fourth round) was likely brought in to push Matt Goncalves for the starting job at right guard. Farmer was a two-year starter at right guard at Kentucky, thriving as a run blocker. Kentucky ball carriers averaged a strong 2.0 yards before contact per attempt when running to Farmer’s gap in the offensive line.
Bryce Boettcher (fourth round) will join Allen on the depth chart at linebacker but will primarily play on special teams early in his career. Boettcher played on almost every special teams unit throughout his career at Oregon and continued playing there even as a senior. George Gumbs Jr. (fifth round) and Caden Curry (sixth round) might be competing for one roster spot in a crowded depth chart at defensive end. Gumbs has impressive athletic traits, but he never lived up to his potential after transferring from Northern Illinois to Florida. Curry lacks Gumbs’ length and athletic traits but is more physical and polished. He also trounced Gumbs’ production, generating an 18% pressure rate from those wide positions.
Seth McGowan (seventh round) is capable of earning a roster spot in the backfield, but only if he can stay focused and out of trouble off the field. McGowan suited up for Oklahoma as a freshman before getting kicked out of the program and bouncing around four different schools over his final four seasons in college. If he makes the team, McGowan could see touches on early downs or potentially in short-yardage situations.
Deion Burks (seventh round) has big-play potential as an undersized receiver, but he’s more of a track athlete than a football player. Based on route-adjusted data, Burks generated 13% fewer yards after catch than expected during his career at Purdue and Oklahoma. It’s tough to envision a role for an undersized receiver with such limited YAC production, but Burks’ open-field speed is worth a look in training camp.
This looks like a strong draft class for the Colts, who landed two immediate starters at critical positions of need despite lacking a first-round pick.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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