The Indianapolis Colts made one of the best value picks of the 2026 NFL Draft by landing Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen in the second round. With a first-round talent taken at pick No. 60, the Colts added a potential three-down starter who could step into the middle linebacker role immediately. Allen’s combination of speed, strength, and football IQ makes him a plug-and-play playmaker for a defense in need of leadership and consistency.
Allen finished his college career with 218 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks across 48 games. He was a first-team All-SEC selection as a senior and led the Bulldogs in tackles for a second straight season. His ability to read the field and react quickly in run support is rare for a second-round pick. Allen’s 4.55 40-yard dash and 24 reps on the bench press at the combine showed he can hold up in physical play while maintaining elite athleticism.
A.J. Haulcy, the Colts’ third-round safety from LSU, is also a sleeper with upside. At 6'1" and 215 pounds, Haulcy has the size and instincts to fill a strong safety role in the middle of the field. He recorded 124 tackles and two interceptions in his final college season, showing the ball skills and range to impact games early. With Nick Cross gone in free agency, Haulcy could step into a starting role by Year 1.
The Colts’ 2026 class is deep with value, and while no player is projected to bust, seventh-round wideout Deion Burks offers intriguing upside. A 4.48 40-yard dash runner with 29 receiving touchdowns in three seasons, Burks has the speed and agility to develop into a solid No. 2 or 3 receiver. He could provide depth behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs while learning from one of the league’s top running backs in Jonathan Taylor.
With Allen and Haulcy leading the way, the Colts’ rookie class is shaping up as one of the most impactful in the league. The team’s defense, which ranked 15th in points allowed in 2025, could take a major leap forward with these additions. Now, the focus shifts to training camp, where these young players will have to prove they can translate college success to the NFL.
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