Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Colts Draft Eight, Add Allen, Haulcy for Faster Defense

4/28/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Colts Draft Reinforcements

The Indianapolis Colts selected eight players in the 2026 NFL draft, adding linebacker CJ Allen and LSU safety A.J. Haulcy.
GM Chris Ballard said the team needs a younger, faster defense after a seventh straight loss in 2025.
The Colts traded down in the second round to acquire Allen, who will start at MIKE linebacker.
All eight picks came from SEC or Big Ten schools, reflecting Ballard’s focus on physicality.

History

Colts Historic Collapse

The Indianapolis Colts started 7-2, becoming the first team ever six games over .500 to later finish with a losing record (ESPN Research).
Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14, ending his season and leading the Colts to start 44-year-old veteran Phillip Rivers.
The Sauce Gardner trade cost Indianapolis its 2026 first-round pick and next year’s first-rounder, leaving the team draft-depleted.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, after Jim Irsay hired Bill Polian as GM, the Colts selected Peyton Manning first overall, turning a 3-13 record into a 13-3 division title in 1999. The 2026 trade-down by GM Chris Ballard after a seventh straight loss echoes Polian’s rebuild plan, swapping picks for speed-focused players such as linebacker CJ Allen.

1 of 3

Colts Draft Reinforcements

The Indianapolis Colts selected eight players in the 2026 NFL draft, adding linebacker CJ Allen and LSU safety A.J. Haulcy.
GM Chris Ballard said the team needs a younger, faster defense after a seventh straight loss in 2025.
The Colts traded down in the second round to acquire Allen, who will start at MIKE linebacker.
All eight picks came from SEC or Big Ten schools, reflecting Ballard’s focus on physicality.

1 / 3