It’s only been a few days, but rookie 3rd round pick Justin Walley has been impressing his teammates and the media to the point that many are starting to believe that he could be the starting corner opposite of Charvarius Ward.
Ward had the following to say about Walley’s game:
Charvarius Ward on Justin Walley’s game so far: “He’s show me he can be a dog. He can cover real well… I think he got it in him. He got that it factor in him. Hes confident in himself. He’s not scared… I’ve been proud of him so far”#ForTheShoe
ADpic.twitter.com/Re0mdCU2Ch
— SleeperColts (@SleeperColts) July 25, 2025
Walley, who has been getting first-team reps on defense, had this to say about his start:
#Colts 3rd-round rookie CB Justin Walley has opened eyes at Training Camp thus far—getting extensive work with the first-team defense. Speaking about it here after Day 3. @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/pWcKRq2UeQ
— Dominic Miranda (@DomMirandaTV) July 25, 2025
Walley was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While 3rd round picks aren’t expected to be immediate starters, they are expected to be contributors in some way, so seeing Walley’s early success is not a major surprise.
The Colts have an opening at the other cornerback spot and there is a competition between Walley, JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack. Womack is more of a nickel corner so he isn’t directly in competition with the others. Many, including myself, figured Jaylon Jones would snag that starting cornerback spot before training camp, but it’s clear that Walley is now the front runner.
Walley is an experienced corner out of Minnesota, so the seamless transition makes more sense. He has experience in press man and off-ball zone, so that good versatility also helps his transition to the NFL. He is very athletic and while he’s not long or tall, his quick feet can make up for a lot plus he has good play strength. He is a tough, competitive player that Ward described as a “dog” and has that “it factor”.
#Colts veteran CB Charvarius Ward’s first impressions of rookie CB Justin Walley:
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) June 16, 2025
“He’s shown me he can be a dog.. He’s had some rookie mistakes b/c he’s a young guy, but he’s been competing with all of the big dawgs. I think he’s got it in him — that ‘it’ factor.”
: @Colts pic.twitter.com/srzaskaf5G
The revamped Colts secondary has potential to be a top 10 unit in the NFL. The addition of Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum add a lot of experience and quality to the group, with Kenny Moore and Nick Cross being good returning starters. From there, if Walley can step up early as a rookie, this group could boast 5 quality starters with one or two potential Pro Bowlers, but also have very good depth across the board. Walley’s early success is great sign for the Colts defense.
More from stampedeblue.com:
- Who should start at cornerback for the Colts in week one?
- History suggests Chuck Pagano and Andrew Luck combo won’t win Super Bowl together
- What is the biggest risk the Colts are taking entering 2017?
- Colts roster ranked as 26th-best in NFL by PFF
- Andrew Luck’s rehab still on schedule despite not yet being cleared to throw
- Who is the Colts’ next candidate for a contract extension?
- Robert Mathis offers support for Paul George, Pacers
