Over half of the Indianapolis Colts’ eight selections in the 2026 NFL draft made Matt Miller’s list over at ESPN of his 100 favorite picks.
By and large, draft analysts agree that the Colts did well in this year’s draft, especially considering that they did not have a first-round selection. Miller’s rankings are the latest example of that.
Here are the Colts’ draft picks who made Miller’s list and what he liked about the selections.
15. LB CJ Allen, Georgia – Round 2, pick 53
What Miller had to say: “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’s fit with the Colts: Allen will start right away at the MIKE linebacker position for the Colts.
20. S AJ Haulcy, LSU – Round 3, pick 78
What Miller had to say: “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.”
Haulcy’s fit with the Colts: He brings a versatile, ball-hawking presence to the Colts’ secondary and will compete for the starting role next to Cam Bynum.
72. OL Jalen Farmer, Kentucky – Round 4, pick 113
What Miller had to say: “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.”
Farmer’s fit with the Colts: Chris Ballard believes that Farmer can play tackle as well. He could compete with either Matt Goncalves or Jalen Travis for snaps this summer.
86. DE Caden Curry, Ohio State – Round 6, pick 214
What Miller had to say: “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.”
Curry’s fit with the Colts: He improves the depth of the defensive end rotation, adding more competition to that room. Curry can be a core special teams contributor from Day 1.
92. WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma – Round 7, pick 254
What Miller had to say: “He’s undersized but has slot potential and should be able to help in the return game. Burks’ special teams ability gives him a legitimate shot to make an early impact despite his draft status.”
Burks’ fit with the Colts: Indianapolis believes he can play both inside and out, as he did at Oklahoma. He could compete with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Ashton Dulin for the WR3 role, and potentially help on teams as a return man.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 5 of Colts’ 8 draft selections make top 100 best picks list
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
