
Five out of the Indianapolis Colts' eight draft selections made ESPN's top 100 best picks list for the 2026 NFL draft. Analysts praised the Colts for their performance despite lacking a first-round pick.
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.
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.
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.
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 or for snaps this summer.
The Colts had five draft picks featured on Matt Miller's top 100 list, including LB CJ Allen from Georgia.
CJ Allen is a linebacker who was selected in the second round with the 53rd pick.
Analysts generally agree that the Colts performed well in the draft, successfully securing five top selections despite not having a first-round pick.

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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.
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: 2026 NFL draft: 5 Colts ranked among 100 best picks, steals, fits