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With the dust having somewhat settled on the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL draft class, let's see what grades the experts are giving GM Chris Ballard for his selections.
The truth is, it takes three to four years to actually know whether a draft class was any good or not. So grading these picks a few hours after it's all said and done is a bit premature, to say the least.
We will see how others think the Colts did, but my initial thoughts are that this year's draft turned out quite well for Indianapolis. For one, they found tremendous value throughout, but in addition to that, Ballard addressed key needs, found a starter or two, along with what should be a few contributors.
Below is the Colts' full draft class, followed by the grades these picks received.
They said it: "In a win-now move made at least year’s trade deadline, Indy surrendered this year’s first-rounder (and next year’s even more valuable one) to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner, who – through no fault of his own really – wasn’t able to help the cratering Colts win now in 2025. But if Gardner, who hasn’t been the same player the past few years that he was earlier in his career, doesn’t revert to All-Pro form – maybe even Deion Sanders form – history is not going to look kindly upon GM Chris Ballard’s very expensive gambit." - Nate Davis
They said it: "Allen is a physical, reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability. His length limitations are notable, but he flashes enough in coverage to project as a starter. Haulcy is a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills and an aggressive playmaking mentality. He projects as a starter in systems that keep him in a traditional backend role." - PFF
They said it: "Without a first-round pick, the Colts did well to land Allen and Haulcy, each of whom could have gone a round earlier. Allen is a plug-and-play off-ball linebacker who should step in and replace Zaire Franklin, having notched 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year at Georgia. Meanwhile, Haulcy is an experienced prospect after making 44 starts in college, and should also be a rookie contributor next to fellow safety Cam Bynum. Finally, Farmer will provide good depth and perhaps compete with right guard Matt Goncalves." - Matt Verderame
They said it: "The Colts addressed their defensive needs on Days 2 and 3 after watching from the sidelines on Thursday. That has to feel good for Lou Anarumo after his group put up some real stinkers in the second half of last season." - Carter Bahns
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts' class receives mixed grades from experts
Continue reading...
The truth is, it takes three to four years to actually know whether a draft class was any good or not. So grading these picks a few hours after it's all said and done is a bit premature, to say the least.
We will see how others think the Colts did, but my initial thoughts are that this year's draft turned out quite well for Indianapolis. For one, they found tremendous value throughout, but in addition to that, Ballard addressed key needs, found a starter or two, along with what should be a few contributors.
Below is the Colts' full draft class, followed by the grades these picks received.
Colts' 2026 NFL draft class
- Pick 53: LB CJ Allen
- Pick 78: S AJ Haulcy
- Pick 113: OL Jalen Farmer
- Pick 135: LB Bryce Boettcher
- Pick 156: DE George Gumbs
- Pick 214: DE Caden Curry
- Pick 237: RB Seth McGowan
- Pick 254: WR Deion Burks
NFL draft experts grade Indianapolis Colts' 2026 class
USA Today: C
They said it: "In a win-now move made at least year’s trade deadline, Indy surrendered this year’s first-rounder (and next year’s even more valuable one) to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner, who – through no fault of his own really – wasn’t able to help the cratering Colts win now in 2025. But if Gardner, who hasn’t been the same player the past few years that he was earlier in his career, doesn’t revert to All-Pro form – maybe even Deion Sanders form – history is not going to look kindly upon GM Chris Ballard’s very expensive gambit." - Nate Davis
Pro Football Focus: A
They said it: "Allen is a physical, reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability. His length limitations are notable, but he flashes enough in coverage to project as a starter. Haulcy is a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills and an aggressive playmaking mentality. He projects as a starter in systems that keep him in a traditional backend role." - PFF
Sports Illustrated: B
They said it: "Without a first-round pick, the Colts did well to land Allen and Haulcy, each of whom could have gone a round earlier. Allen is a plug-and-play off-ball linebacker who should step in and replace Zaire Franklin, having notched 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year at Georgia. Meanwhile, Haulcy is an experienced prospect after making 44 starts in college, and should also be a rookie contributor next to fellow safety Cam Bynum. Finally, Farmer will provide good depth and perhaps compete with right guard Matt Goncalves." - Matt Verderame
CBS Sports: A-
They said it: "The Colts addressed their defensive needs on Days 2 and 3 after watching from the sidelines on Thursday. That has to feel good for Lou Anarumo after his group put up some real stinkers in the second half of last season." - Carter Bahns
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts' class receives mixed grades from experts
Continue reading...
