After projecting what the Indianapolis Colts’ depth chart on defense looked like following the 2026 NFL draft, let’s take that one step further and project what the starting defensive lineup is come Week 1.
An added wrinkle to consider in all of this is that a few training camp battles were created by GM Chris Ballard and his selections in the draft, with playing time at a few position groups now up for grabs.
Here is our way-too-early prediction of what the Colts’ starting defense will look like.
Defensive line
Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Arden Key
The spot opposite of Latu at defensive end is what is up for grabs. I’ll give Key and his experience the advantage of JT Tuimoloau for the time being.
Linebacker
CJ Allen, Akeem Davis-Gaither
Davis-Gaither and fourth-round pick Bryce Boettcher will likely compete for the WILL linebacker role. Davis-Gaither and his experience playing in the NFL and in Lou Anarumo’s scheme give him the upper hand.
Cornerback
Sauce Gardner, Justin Walley, Charvarius Ward
We will assume that Kenny Moore won’t be on the team come Week 1 as he and the Colts still seek a trade partner. Walley will be his replacement in the slot.
Safety
Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy
Haulcy will be competing for snaps against Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler. I expect that Haulcy’s versatility, ball skills, and upside are what eventually set him apart over the summer.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Projecting Colts’ Week 1 starting defense following 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
