Following the Indianapolis Colts' Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, how did the 2026 rookie draft class perform in that contest?
Let's take a look back.
LB CJ Allen
Allen did not see any snaps on defense. Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies were the starters, with Bryce Boettcher being rotated in. The time that Allen missed early in training camp seemed to factor into that decision.
"CJ is getting better every day, so I am not down on him at all," DC Lou Anarumo said via Colts.com. "He's a rookie. It takes some time, especially at his position, but he's really progressing the way we want to and every day he gets better physically."
S AJ Haulcy
After returning to practice last week, Haulcy started next to Cam Byum, playing 67 total defensive snaps. He was a reliable
tackler, but was credited with allowing two receptions for 64 yards, including a 54-yarder to Zay Flowers that went for a score.
G Jalen Farmer
Farmer is the first option off the bench at guard. He did not see any offensive snaps, but played four on the field-goal-kicking unit.
LB Bryce Boettcher
As mentioned, Boettcher was rotated in at linebacker. When it was all said and done, he played 23 defensive snaps and 15 on special teams. On defense, he recorded five total tackles, two stops, and allowed 17 receiving yards on one reception.
DE George Gumbs Jr.
Gumbs was inactive for this game.
DE Caden Curry
Curry played just three defensive snaps but saw 20 on special teams, contributing to four of the six different phases. He recorded one tackle. Curry's ability to help on teams was likely a key factor in having him available over Gumbs.
RB Seth McGowan
As RB2, McGowan played only six offensive snaps. He didn't have any carries, but had a reception that went for zero yards. McGowan played seven special teams snaps as well, which included five kick return attempts, where he averaged 32.8 yards per return.
WR Deion Burks
Burks didn't see any snaps on offense but played six special teams snaps -- one on the kick coverage unit and five on the punt coverage unit.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: How did Colts' 2026 rookie draft picks paly in Week 1 debuts?
