The Indianapolis Colts found some likely instant-impact players in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a surprising choice was made to stand out among the team's Day 3 picks.
One of the Indianapolis Colts' biggest goals in the 2026 NFL Draft was to find players who could make an immediate impact.
They checked off a couple of significant boxes with their first two picks in linebacker CJ Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy, but one of their late-round picks has been chosen as someone who might surprise people and have a big impact as well.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report chose six players across the NFL who were selected on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) of this year's draft, and Colts sixth-round pick (No. 214 overall) Caden Curry made the cut.
"In his lone year as a starter at Ohio State in 2025, edge-rusher Caden Curry was a force—the 6'3" 257-pounder finished second in the Big Ten in sacks with 11," Davenport wrote. "However, Curry's lack of arm length caused him to fall outside the top 200 picks in this year's draft.
"Colts general manager Chris Ballard thinks the team may have gotten a steal, though.
"Curry joins an Indianapolis team that has been looking for consistent production on the edge for years," Davenport continued. "The Colts hope to have one end of the line handled with Laiatu Latu, who paced the team last season with 8.5 sacks. But the other end spot is a major question mark, with veteran Arden Key, youngster JT Tuimoloau, and others fighting for snaps.
"At the very least, Curry can carve out a rotational role in Indianapolis with a solid camp. If he shines? He could lead that rotation in snaps."
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) gets off a pass as he's hit by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus DispatchWhile there is an open competition at one of the starting defensive end spots for the Colts, Curry would really have to blow the coaches away to be the choice.
The Colts spent a second-round pick last year on Curry's former Ohio State teammate, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, and so far, he's been making necessary changes to earn a bigger role.
The Colts also handed out multi-year deals and a combined nearly $19 million in guarantees to veteran edges Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency.
Chances are, it'll be either Tuimoloau or Key starting opposite of top pass rusher Laiatu Latu. However, that doesn't mean that Curry can't earn a spot in the rotation or even upend a veteran, such as Clemons.
At minimum, Curry will likely be a special-teamer as a rookie. He averaged 152.0 special teams snaps per season for his college career, per Pro Football Focus. Eventually, he became a starter as a senior, when he erupted for 16 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
Curry was also versatile along the defensive front, lining up as a stand-up outside linebacker 294 times, an end 219 times, inside at tackle 92 times, and even at off-ball linebacker a few times.
Standing out on special teams and making the most of his opportunities (wherever he lines up) on defense, will go a long way toward Curry continuing to earn more playing time as a rookie.
