Most of Colts' Draft Class Makes 'Best Of' List

The Indianapolis Colts completed an eight-man haul in the 2026 NFL Draft last week that helped them transform their defense and add key depth on offense.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller released his 100 favorite moves from the draft, and the majority of the Colts' class made it. Five of the Colts' eight picks, with the exception of linebacker Bryce Boettcher, defensive end George Gumbs Jr., and running back Seth McGowan, were included.

"Linebacker was one of Colts' biggest needs, and GM Chris Ballard added a downhill thumper with good coverage ability. Allen was once seen as a potential first-round talent, and Indianapolis hopes he'll become its next Shaquille Leonard-level linebacker. To get a value of 12 picks only adds to the praise this selection should receive. Checking off a crucial need without a first-round pick, and doing so with a player many had in the top 32 when the season ended, is good drafting. Allen and fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher will be fun to watch develop, with Allen expected to crack the starting lineup early in the 2026 season."

The Colts got Miller's 41st-ranked player in the draft at No. 53, and it's someone who they plan to be one of the vital pieces of their defense before long. Allen should start at MIKE linebacker from Day 1 and add stability to a linebacker corps that desperately needs it.

"All draft analysts have a player or two whose play they fall in love with. That was Haulcy for me. At 6-foot, 215 pounds and built like a linebacker, Haulcy looks like a safety who should be in the box on 90% of his snaps, but he dropped into deep coverage and picked off passes in pressure situations for LSU. He can also play in the box and stack up against the run. He'll combine with Cam Bynum to form a reliable back-end duo with a ton of speed and big-play potential."

Haulcy was even better value to the Colts, according to Miller's rankings, as he was Miller's 60th-ranked player, going 78th overall to Indy. Haulcy is in a crowded group of players competing for safety, but he's the most talented and the most expensive. Haulcy, alongside Cam Bynum, could be a stud with Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr. flanking them on the boundaries.

"Farmer won't start immediately, but we love teams that draft for the future. And it has to be pointed out that Quenton Nelson has just one year left on his deal and is 30 years old. The hope is that Nelson will be back in Indianapolis long term and will remain one of the NFL's best guards, but Farmer could be the next man up at either guard spot given his college experience at right guard."

In all likelihood, Farmer's arrival has nothing to do with Quenton Nelson. Colts general manager Chris Ballard would likely rather walk barefoot on broken glass than allow Nelson to play a snap anywhere besides Indianapolis for the remainder of his career. Miller's 99th-ranked player, Farmer, should be expected to come in right away and compete for either the starting right guard spot, the swing tackle role, or, worst-case scenario, a backup guard. The Colts were ecstatic to get Farmer, and they'll use him in several spots this offseason to see where he fits best.

"During commercial breaks on Day 3, we often talked about when Curry would go. The Colts ended his slide toward the end of Round 6 to get one of the best value picks of the day. At 6-2, Curry lacks length but has power in his game and should provide a version of what the Colts got from Kwity Paye last season. Curry has to work to move up the edge rotation, but the Colts should be thrilled to get a player who had 11 sacks last season in a stifling, pro-style Ohio State defense led by former NFL coach Matt Patricia."

Eventually, Curry may carve out a role on defense, but the Colts have been outspoken about his special teams prowess. Miller's 133rd-ranked player averaged 152 special teams snaps per season at Ohio State, which is where he'll likely make his mark as a rookie.

"Burks' Day 3 fall was a massive surprise, as he sat atop my 'best available' list for hours. He's undersized but has slot potential and should be able to help in the return game. Though Josh Downs is a rock-solid slot, the Colts need depth at receiver after trading Michael Pittman Jr. in the offseason and with Alec Pierce recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Burks' special teams ability gives him a legitimate shot to make an early impact despite his draft status."

Burks is considered one of the bigger steals in the draft, as Miller's 108th-ranked player ended his slide in the seventh round with the 254th pick. The Colts have an opening at receiver outside of Alec Pierce and Josh Downs that is likely to be filled by a rotation of Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Burks. Burks (5'8", 180) seems more likely than most undersized receivers to succeed due to his speed, explosion, and play strength.