In the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected LSU safety AJ Haulcy. Let’s take a closer look at Haulcy’s game with what a few draft experts had to say in their final scouting reports.
Haulcy has ample experience playing both free safety and down in the box near the line of scrimmage. He’s been a sound run defender by PFF’s metrics and has had very good ball production in coverage, logging eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups the last two seasons.
Haulcy brings a ballhawking presence to the Indianapolis secondary, and the Colts believe he has the versatility to fill a variety of roles in Lou Anarumo’s scheme.
Right away, Haulcy will compete for the starting safety role next to Cam Bynum.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
“Haulcy has some wild tendencies. Given his recognition and range, though, teams will be comfortable betting on him to reach his ceiling as an NFL starter. Teams will also appreciate his coachability and intangibles, which will show on special teams.”
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Haulcy, aka Mr. Give Me That, is a throwback safety with a compact, densely muscled frame and a pro feel for reading the field. He’s a rare blend of ballhawk and enforcer who can scurry into passing lanes for takeaways or run through a receiver to break up a pass. His pattern recognition and instincts are top-notch and he’s decisive in his reactions. A lack of sustained top-end speed could create mismatches in man coverage. He’s more effective playing forward than he is at guarding large spaces in deeper coverages. He’s rock-steady as a finisher but sees the missed tackle total tick higher as an open-field tackler. Haulcy’s frame and game are pro-ready, though. He projects as a good NFL starter in a zone-heavy scheme.”
Todd McShay, The Ringer
“Haulcy is an experienced and productive safety with a good blend of size and speed. He’s at his best when he can read receivers and quarterbacks in off coverage and zone looks. He’s quick to trigger, breaks well on the ball, and jumps routes. He can sort out route combinations and has enough range to cover a deep half. He is a physical presence and a big hitter in coverage. He tracks the ball well and doesn’t play the man in zone looks.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What draft experts said about Colts S AJ Haulcy in scouting reports
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
