Anonymous NFL execs reportedly weigh in on Colts 2026 NFL Draft class

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was created using a tilt-shift lens.) CJ Allen of the Georgia Bulldogs poses on the NFL Network during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to The Athletic’s Mike Sando, anonymous NFL executives recently weighed in on the Indianapolis Colts 2026 draft class, which even without a first round pick, saw the Horseshoe potentially land two immediate defensive starters on ‘Day 2’:

“They would not have gotten a Sauce Gardner picking where they were going to pick, whether that was at 16 or later in the round,” an NFL executive said via Sando. “That verdict on that trade is going to be determined by their next first-round pick, and what that looks like.”

“CJ Allen is probably going to end up being a team captain on defense, and then they took some late-round swings on guys who had talent, but also big question marks,” another NFL executive said. “That could buffer some of the early picks they didn’t have.”

“These are tough players,” another one said. “They have violent play styles. They take the ball away. They love football. To me, this is what you are looking for.”

The Colts recent draft class is highlighted by the selections of Georgia linebacker CJ Allen (Pick #53, after slightly trading down from #47), and LSU safety AJ Haulcy (#78) a round later in Round 3. Both First-Team All-SEC defenders were not only considered ‘dawgs,’ but top prospects as their respective positions in this year’s class. Even though they were drafted on ‘Day 2,‘ each projects as an immediate defensive starter from ‘Day 1’ for Indianapolis and should provide immediate upgrades respectively.