Following Kenny Moore’s release, Justin Walley will presumably be stepping into a starting role in his second NFL season, taking over as the Indianapolis Colts’ nickel cornerback.
Unfortunately, Walley’s rookie season was over before it could begin after he suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.
The Colts, however, have remained extremely bullish about what he can add to the defense.
Prior to his injury, Walley had put together a strong showing throughout training camp, but the moment that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo knew the Colts found an impact player in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft came during the team’s joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens.
“We’re in some kind of team drill against them at Baltimore,” Anarumo said. “Lamar (Jackson) sees a rookie out there. They run like a double move with (Rashod) Bateman, and most rookies, their eyes would have been in the backfield. He would have got beat. Wally matched the double move, came out of it, ran down the field, broke the pass up, and I was like, ‘We got one,’ because that was a kind of a rare thing.”
A few plays later, Walley suffered the knee injury.
Walley came to the NFL with strong ball production at the college level, and he was quite stingy in coverage, allowing a completion rate of 53% over four seasons, according to PFF.
The Colts also appreciate the competitive juice he brings to the defense and his instincts, which were on display in Baltimore during the play described by Anarumo. Walley was poised to make an immediate impact as a rookie, and he’ll now have the chance to do so in Year 2.
“His energy level, he’s always got a smile on his face,” Anarumo added. “He’s dying to get out there. He loves to play football. He’s a throwback. Him and Hunter (Wohler). Those type of guys where they just want to play ball and have fun and do it the right way. They’re in here working their butts off constantly to rehab and they’re going to bring that great energy to the defense. The energy that the youth can bring.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Moment Lou Anarumo knew Justin Walley could be impact defender for Colts
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
