Ex-LSU Tigers star safety AJ Haulcy was just taken No. 76 overall in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Former LSU Tigers star safety AJ Haulcy was just selected 78th overall in the 2026 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Haulcy, like new Kansas City Chiefs star Mansoor Delane, bet on himself by coming to the Tigers for the final year of his college career. While the team had a down year overall, Haulcy played lights out and has earned himself a spot in the NFL.
The Texas native grew from a three-star recruit out of high school, originally committing to the New Mexico Lobos, to a Day 2 pick in the draft. That is a huge win and couldn't have happened to a more deserving player.
Haulcy's on-field play could have had him drafted earlier, but he's overcoming being a weird build for the type of safety he is. He's just under six-foot and around 215 pounds. He is certainly a thumper, as that would suggest, but he also has surprising range in the secondary.
Over his four years between the Lobos, Houston Cougars and finally LSU, Haulcy logged 347 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, with 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles and 19 passes broken up.
He was second on the Tigers with 88 tackles last year and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. This could end up being a steal for the Colts.
Haulcy has an open path to a starting role in this defense, so this could be a massive win for both sides. He’ll probably slot in as a box safety, which will leave him open to take advantage of his strengths.