Experts grade Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL draft class

With the dust having somewhat settled on the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL draft class, let's see what grades the experts are giving GM Chris Ballard for his selections.

The truth is, it takes three to four years to actually know whether a draft class was any good or not. So grading these picks a few hours after it's all said and done is a bit premature, to say the least.

We will see how others think the Colts did, but my initial thoughts are that this year's draft turned out quite well for Indianapolis. For one, they found tremendous value throughout, but in addition to that, Ballard addressed key needs, found a starter or two, along with what should be a few contributors.

Below is the Colts' full draft class, followed by the grades these picks received.

Colts' 2026 NFL draft class

• Pick 53: LB CJ Allen
• Pick 78: S AJ Haulcy
• Pick 113: OL Jalen Farmer
• Pick 135: LB Bryce Boettcher
• Pick 156: DE George Gumbs
• Pick 214: DE Caden Curry
• Pick 237: RB Seth McGowan
• Pick 254: WR Deion Burks

NFL draft experts grade Indianapolis Colts' 2026 class

USA Today: C

They said it: "In a win-now move made at least year’s trade deadline, Indy surrendered this year’s first-rounder (and next year’s even more valuable one) to the Jets for CB , who –  – wasn’t able to help the cratering Colts win now in 2025. But if Gardner, who hasn’t been the same player the past few years that he was earlier in his career, doesn’t revert to All-Pro form – maybe even Deion Sanders form – history is not going to look kindly upon GM Chris Ballard’s very expensive gambit." -