The Indianapolis Colts signed almost their entire 2026 NFL Draft class as the group arrived in town for rookie minicamp.
The Indianapolis Colts begin rookie minicamp on Friday, and they'll have nearly their entire 2026 NFL Draft class under contract as it begins.
The team announced they signed six of the eight members of the class: linebacker CJ Allen, safety A.J. Haulcy, defensive end George Gumbs Jr., defensive end Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan, and wide receiver Deion Burks.
The only exclusions are offensive lineman Jalen Farmer and linebacker Bryce Boettcher.
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes the ball under pressure form Georgia Bulldogs linebackerCJAllen(3) during the first half of the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Allen (6'1", 233, 21 years old) is expected to come in and be the starting MIKE linebacker right away, replacing Zaire Franklin. The Colts fell in love with Allen's football IQ, character, and leadership, as well as the strong baseline of play he should give them as one of the best defensive players in the SEC of the last couple of years.
SAF A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Haulcy (6'0", 215, 22) is another rookie who should start relatively quickly, alongside fellow safety Cam Bynum. Haulcy is a smart, instinctive player who is just as likely to lay a big hit on a player as he is pull in an interception. The Colts think highly of his versatility and competitiveness.
DE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
Gumbs (6'4", 245, 23) is a bit green as an edge defender after starting his career at Northern Illinois as a wide receiver and tight end. However, he's got great size and athleticism and has shown real development over the last couple of years at Florida.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive endCadenCurry(92) looks on during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images DE Caden Curry, Ohio Sate
Curry (6'3", 260, 22) is a worker bee who may initially earn his spot on the roster as a special-teamer, where he excelled throughout his career with the Buckeyes. Curry is a local kid from Greenwood, who could provide the Colts with decent edge-setting down the line.
RB Seth McGowan, Kentucky
McGowan (6'0", 223, 24) is a determined, physical runner who should compete directly with DJ Giddens as the Colts' RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor. Whoever proves they can play special teams and pass protect will likely get the nod. The catch is that neither Giddens or McGowan have much of a special teams background.
WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Burks (5'10", 180, 23) is an interesting player, who was picked near the end of the draft despite having a top-100 grade by many draft experts. We've seen numerous receivers below 6'0" and 200 pounds fail to catch on in the NFL, but Burks' play strength may be a key to him being different.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linemanGenoVanDeMark(56) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Colts Sign 12 UDFAs
The Colts also announced the signing of 12 undrafted free agents: running backs Lincoln Pare and Jordon Vaughn, wide receivers Sahmir Hagans, E.J. Horton Jr., and Raylen Sharpe, offensive linemen Nolan Rucci and Geno VanDeMark, defensive end Mitchell Melton, defensive tackle Cam Ball, linebackers Tahj Chambers and West Weeks, and safety Austin Brown.
Colts Begin Making Cuts
To make room for the rookies on the roster, the Colts released cornerback Kenny Moore II and safety Nasir Adderley and waived linebacker John Bullock.