The Indianapolis Colts Draft Grade reflects a franchise focused on rebuilding its defensive identity during the 2026 NFL Draft. After addressing several key weaknesses on defense and adding depth throughout the roster, Indianapolis enters training camp hoping to outperform modest expectations in the AFC South.
Your 2026 #Colts draft class and their #RAS! pic.twitter.com/LzHFwafFR6
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 25, 2026
Round 2 (No. 53) CJ Allen – LB, Georgia — Grade: A
Round 3 (No. 78) A.J. Haulcy – S, LSU — Grade: A
Round 4 (No. 113) Jalen Farmer – G, Kentucky — Grade: B+
Round 4 (No. 135) Bryce Boettcher – LB, Oregon — Grade: A-
Round 5 (No. 156) George Gumbs Jr. – EDGE, Florida — Grade: B
Round 6 (No. 214) Caden Curry – EDGE, Ohio State — Grade: B
Round 7 (No. 237) Seth McGowan – RB, Kentucky — Grade: B
Round 7 (No. 254) Deion Burks – WR, Oklahoma — Grade: A-
IND Colts Overall Draft Grade: A-
The IND Colts entered the draft with one clear objective: improve a defense that struggled mightily during the second half of last season. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needed reinforcements at multiple levels of the defense, and Indianapolis responded by investing heavily in linebackers, safeties, and edge defenders.
The biggest value selection may have been CJ Allen. Many evaluators believed the Georgia linebacker possessed first-round talent, making his availability in the second round a major win for Indianapolis. Allen brings toughness, leadership, and physicality to the center of the defense. The Colts doubled down on the position later by selecting Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher, one of the most intriguing athletes in the class thanks to his dual-sport background and relentless motor.
A.J. Haulcy also received strong reviews after a productive career at LSU. Combined with the additions of George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry, Indianapolis successfully addressed many of its defensive concerns while still finding value late in the draft with receiver Deion Burks.
CJ Allen in that white & blue just hits different 😮💨
(📸:@Colts) pic.twitter.com/6etcEMOc2X
— Colts Muse (@ColtsMusee) June 8, 2026
NFL Rookie Minicamp Results
The Colts concluded rookie minicamp on May 9, 2026, featuring eight draft selections, numerous undrafted free agents, and more than 30 tryout players. Several newcomers quickly stood out during the two-day event.
Bryce Boettcher generated perhaps the biggest headline of the weekend after forcing a fumble on the very first play of minicamp drills. The Oregon linebacker immediately showcased the aggressive style that made him one of the Colts’ favorite selections in the draft.
Undrafted tight end Carson Towt also earned praise from head coach Shane Steichen. The former college basketball player possesses an intriguing athletic profile and could eventually develop into a contributor similar to veteran tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
The running back room also attracted attention. Seventh-round selection Seth McGowan and undrafted rookie Jordon Vaughn both impressed coaches as Indianapolis searches for a physical complement to Jonathan Taylor. Following minicamp, the Colts officially signed tryout running back Anderson Castle after a strong two-day performance.
Most importantly, the organization finalized rookie contracts for its entire eight-player draft class, allowing every selection to fully participate in upcoming offseason activities.
Indianapolis Colts Updated 2026 Win Total Projection
The Colts enter the 2026 season with a projected win total of 7.5 victories. While sportsbooks lean slightly toward the Over, expectations remain tempered compared to some of Indianapolis’ AFC South rivals.
The primary reason for uncertainty is quarterback Daniel Jones. Returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Jones represents the single biggest variable affecting the Colts’ ceiling. If he returns to form, Indianapolis could easily outperform expectations. If he struggles, the offense may have difficulty keeping pace in a competitive conference.
Oddsmakers are also weighing two very different realities. On one hand, Indianapolis benefits from the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL and faces only four playoff teams from last season. On the other hand, ESPN’s predictive models favor the Colts in only seven of their seventeen games.
The season’s opening stretch will be particularly important. Indianapolis begins the year against the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans. A strong start could dramatically shift expectations around the franchise, while a slow start could leave little room for error.
Within the AFC South, the Colts remain positioned behind Houston but still have a realistic path toward playoff contention. If Daniel Jones provides stability and the defensive additions perform as expected, Indianapolis could become one of the more surprising teams in the conference and challenge the 7.5-win projection.
The Colts have a 47% chance to win 9+ games next season, per @Kalshi pic.twitter.com/DBj639CEIs
— Kalshi Football (@KalshiGridiron) June 9, 2026
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