Jul 24, 2026 5:01 PM
Do the Indianapolis Colts lack young talent, or is it just unproven?
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In the NFL, teams typically maintain a high level of performance year after year by hitting on their draft picks and fortifying the roster with dependable veteran free agents. There are some lucky exceptions on both sides of the coin, but that's the most sustainable model.
Hitting on draft picks has been one of the Indianapolis Colts' biggest issues.
They've been able to find plenty of players who are capable of getting playing time and starting, but they've had trouble finding true difference-makers.
Recently, ESPN's Aaron Schatz ranked each NFL team by its under-25 talent, with players eligible only if they're under 25 years old by Sept. 1.
Now ranking 26th out of 32, the Colts have taken a step back from last year when they ranked 20th, as players such as wide receiver Josh Downs, cornerback Sauce Gardner, and defensive end Laiatu Latu have aged out of this list.
Second-year tight end Tyler Warren, considered a "blue chip" talent in this exercise, proved to be a worthy first-round selection, earning a Pro Bowl and leading NFL rookie tight ends in multiple categories.
"Warren headlines the young talent in Indianapolis, where a lot of important young players are 24 years old, including center Tanor Bortolini and new right tackle Jalen Travis," Schatz wrote. "If you want to give the Colts any credit for having frustrated quarterback prospect Anthony Richardson Sr., well, he's also 24 years old.
"Quarterback Riley Leonard and edge rusher Jaylahn Tuimoloau are both 23," Schatz continued. "So are defensive backs Justin Walley and Hunter Wohler, who missed their rookie seasons with injuries but might play important roles in 2026. Rookie third-round safety A.J. Haulcy is 22, while rookie second-round linebacker CJ Allen doesn't turn 22 until March."
The following are current notable Colts players who will remain under 25 by Sept. 1, ordered from youngest to oldest:
Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images- LB CJ Allen (21): Being the youngest player on the roster while also being the starting MIKE linebacker and calling the defense is quite a responsibility. However, this isn't new territory for Allen, who was running the heralded Georgia defense as an 18-year-old true freshman.
- OL Jalen Farmer (22): The rookie fourth-round pick may begin his rookie season as a reserve at multiple spots on the offensive line, but the Colts are itching to get him on the field as soon as possible. We may not truly know his impact until the 2027 season, unless he replaces an injured starter for an extended period of time this year.
- S A.J. Haulcy (22): There's a good chance that Haulcy earns the other starting safety spot opposite Cam Bynum, which would give him ample opportunity to show off his hard-hitting and playmaking. Haulcy's teammates should put him in a strong position to succeed, as quarterbacks may throw the ball closer to Bynum and Haulcy while attempting to avoid cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr.
- ED Jaylahn Tuimoloau (23): Tuimoloau didn't get off to the hottest start as a rookie, playing just 215 defensive snaps. However, he's in contention to start this year on the edge. Even if he doesn't win the starting job over veteran Arden Key, Tuimoloau will still play much more than he did last year.
- CB Justin Walley (23): The Colts have waited for almost a year to see Walley back in action. He was the talk of the team last offseason, but his standout joint practice performance against the Baltimore Ravens ended with a torn ACL. Now back and fully recovered, Walley has the tall task of replacing Kenny Moore II in the slot, who was the Colts' longest-tenured defensive starter.
- S/LB Hunter Wohler (23): Like Walley, Wohler was working his way toward a significant role on the defense before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc (foot) injury during the preseason. He's competing with Haulcy for the starting strong safety spot, but likely he'll be a defensive complement who lines up in advantageous spots in sub-packages.
- LB Bryce Boettcher (24): The Colts signed veteran free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither as a likely starter, but then they drafted both Allen and Boettcher. Davis-Gaither is still the most likely to start with Allen so that the rookie has a veteran influence next to him. However, Boettcher made some waves during spring ball, getting a pick-six in practice and earning several first-team reps. It seems like only a matter of time until it's Allen and Boettcher in the middle of the Colts' defense.
- C Tanor Bortolini (24): Bortolini is already regarded as one of the best young centers in football. He was Pro Football Focus' third-ranked center in the NFL last year, and with his mental acumen being just as impressive as his athleticism, the arrow is pointing directly up for the third-year center.
- TE Tyler Warren (24): Warren was considered one of the elite prospects of the 2025 draft, and he outshone expectations. He's expected to ascend to another level this year as he, Downs, and Alec Pierce absorb most of what Michael Pittman Jr. left behind when he was traded.
- QB Anthony Richardson Sr. (24): In all likelihood, Richardson may not see the field this year, at least not for the Colts. He's been on the trade block since February, but competing with Riley Leonard for the QB2 role behind Daniel Jones. Still, if Richardson does get on the field, he's a big-play threat with either his arm or legs.
- OT Jalen Travis (24): Travis started the final four games of his rookie year last year and did well enough for the Colts to allow longtime right tackle Braden Smith to walk in free agency so that Travis could replace him.
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