The Indianapolis Colts will be making their first picks of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday, and we will be tracking each selection made from Round 2 through Round 7.
The Colts have a modest seven selections in this year’s draft, including only two in the top 100. With several roster holes to fill, GM Chris Ballard has little room for error and must hit on his selections, especially in Rounds 2-4, where finding more immediate help is more likely.
We also can’t rule out the possibility of the Colts trading back at some point, something that Ballard has referenced a few times this offseason.
As each pick comes in, we will be breaking down all seven selections right here in one place, in addition to our other coverage.
Colts pick S AJ Haulcy at pick 78
Haulcy will compete for playing time with Jonathan Owens, Hunter Wohler, and Juanyeh Thomas. The Colts do not view him as just a box defender, but as someone who can play deep as well. The addition of Haulcy adds another strong coverage presence to the secondary.
Colts pick LB CJ Allen at pick 53
Allen ranked among the best in run defense over both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, according to PFF’s metrics. He’s been a very sound tackler. In coverage, he allowed 10.6 yards per catch in 2025, with three pass breakups. He can be the Colts’ MIKE linebacker from the jump this season.
Colts trade back from pick 47
In a deal with the Steelers, the Colts acquired picks 53, 135, and 237 from Pittsburgh. The Colts would send picks 47 and 249 to the Steelers. For more on the deal, you can find that here.
List of Colts’ picks in the 2026 NFL draft
2026 NFL draft schedule
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 2026 NFL draft tracker: Live analysis of each pick
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
