The Indianapolis Colts picked LSU SS A.J. Haulcy in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 78th overall pick.
Jake explains why he's such an AJ Haulcy Stan and why the LSU safety is going to be an instant hit in the NFL.
In the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 78th overall pick, the Indianapolis Colts selected LSU safety AJ Haulcy.
PROS
- Four-year starter who climbed the ladder from Mountain West to the Big 12 to the SEC.
- Productive player who averaged 86.8 tackles per season, with 10 career interceptions and 19 pass breakups. Had a 24-tackle game as a true freshman in 2022.
- Four-year contributor on special teams, averaged 88.3 snaps per year.
- Versatile: 1,383 career snaps at free safety, 1,057 in the box, and 369 in the slot.
- Powerfully built and looks to lay a big hit when it’s there. Very physical player.
- Diagnoses things quickly and attacks. Does not get fooled often and always seems to know what’s coming. Allows him to be proactive rather than reactive.
- His clear football IQ allows him to play confidently at all times.
- His feel for zone coverage is terrific. Always in position to deter the quarterback or get to the spot quickly.
CONS
- His long speed is okay, but not great. Ran a 4.52 in the 40. How is he athletically? Didn’t do anything all draft season except the 40. It looks decent on tape, but that’s not backed up with scores.
- Could use more discipline if he’s going to be a physical tackler. Wrap up rather than shoulder bash. Missed tackle rate the last two years is too high at 15.1%.
FROM INDY DRAFT GUIDE
He could benefit from a switch to more box safety than deep safety, as he’s physical and excellent at cleaning up what’s in front of him. The Colts have some mild candidates to replace strong safety Nick Cross, but none with the high draft pedigree that Haulcy has. He can be the base strong safety as well as play some dime linebacker. Plus, he has 1,300-plus snaps of experience at free safety, and another 350-plus in the slot.
THE COLTS DRAFT
- 2:53 -- LB CJ Allen, Georgia
- 3:78 -- SS A.J. Haulcy, LSU
- 4:113
- 4:135
- 5:156
- 6:214
- 7:237
- 7:254
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