The Indianapolis Colts signed an undrafted rookie who could compete for a direct backup spot on the defensive line right away.
The Indianapolis Colts had the task of addressing multiple needs in the recent 2026 NFL Draft, but were unable to get to each of them.
Backup one-tech/nose tackle was an area of importance that the Colts had, which they didn't address until after the draft, when they reportedly agreed to terms with Arkansas defensive tackle Cam Ball.
Ball was one of a few Colts UDFA signings who had a late-round draftable grade, and as such, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report has deemed Ball as the Colts' undrafted rookie most likely to make the roster.
"Arkansas defensive lineman Cameron Ball, who signed after the draft, may not be on the field for Week 1. However, the 6'3⅝", 310-pound run stopper should compete with free-agent additions Colby Wooden, Jerry Tillery, and Derrick Nnadi for a rotational role," Knox wrote.
"A former offensive line prospect, Ball developed as an interior defender over five seasons with the Razorbacks. He finished with 138 career tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss. His best football may still be ahead of him."
Dec 28, 2022; Memphis, TN, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) has the ball knocked loose by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive tackle Cam Ball during the fourth quarter of the 2022 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Arkansas won 55-53. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn ImagesKnox continued: "'Ball has the potential to be a disruptive force on the interior defensive line, with his combination of an explosive get-off and upper-body strength,' Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote."
Ball (23 years old) measured in at the NFL Scouting Combine with quality size at nearly 6'4", 310, with 33-inch arms. He's also played a significant amount of football since 2021 for Arkansas, seeing 1,864 snaps on defense and another 467 on special teams, per Pro Football Focus.
Since he began earning significant playing time in 2022, Ball's overall defensive grade from PFF has been a slightly above-average 71.6. He's tallied 70 "stops" in that time, which is a play in which a defensive player forces an offensive failure.
Ball started for the Razorbacks for the last two and a half years and has totaled 138 tackles (12.5 for loss), 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovered over 50 games (31 starts).
The Colts don't have many adequate options to back up starting one-tech Grover Stewart — primarily just Derrick Nnadi and Tim Smith — but Ball's play strength, quickness, and motor should help him stand out in the competition throughout training camp.
Along with Ball, keep an eye on fellow 2026 UDFAs, offensive tackle Nolan Rucci of Penn State, safety Austin Brown of Wisconsin, linebacker West Weeks of LSU, and running back Jordon Vaughn out of Abilene Christian.