Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts are getting solid marks for their 2026 draft. They filled immediate needs and bolstered their depth across some weaker areas. They appear to have avoided major reaches and got great value with some of their selections like C.J. Allen, A.J. Haulcy, and Deion Burks to name a few. It may not have been an A+ draft, but it’s giving fans enough of those warm fuzzies to feel pretty good. Drafting was the easy part. Ensuring it translates onto the field is where it truly
begins.
Allen will be thrust into an immediate leadership role on the defense and many have visions of another Shaquille Leonard. Although it will be hard to replicate what Leonard did, especially out of the gate, just like how Tyler Warren elevated the entire tight end room as a rookie, Allen will need to do the same for the linebacking corps. Also, just like the tight end group, the bar is low, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be expected to blow us away like Warren did. What he does on the second level will impact players on the backend like Haulcy. Needing to replace a thumper in Nick Cross, the Colts got another one. Can he deliver at the same level or better in short order?
What about Jalen Farmer? His services could be called into action more than expected in 2026, and if so, he better be ready. Quentin Nelson isn’t getting younger, and while there is no replacing him, Farmer needs to learn from him and be ready to take over. Asking him to be the next Nelson is daunting but having the luxury of learning from a player like Nelson is huge. Deion Burks may have been late to come off the board but that doesn’t mean he comes without expectations. Michael Pittman Jr. is gone, and Adonai Mitchell is too. There will be opportunities for him to make his immediate mark on this offense. He better take full advantage.
Rookie classes don’t normally rush onto the scene and move the needle in extreme ways. This class has more pressure on them than most, however. The Colts need to fill holes quickly and show they have the future in the building. If these rookies can impact winning, they won’t just have fruitful careers in the NFL, they might just help keep the band together a little while longer. Fail to do that and there will be a few extra “need work” signs floating around the league.
