How AJ Haulcy's versatility can enhance Colts' defense

With the addition of safety AJ Haulcy in the 2026 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts believe he can provide another versatile presence to the secondary.

During his college career, Haulcy saw playing time both down in the box, where he played 1,030 career snaps, and deep, where he played 1,383 snaps.

That ability to move him around can further open up the playbook for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and allow the Colts to better disguise coverages. Where Haulcy or Cam Bynum are lined up pre-snap might not be where they are post-snap when the quarterback hits the top of his drop.

This also makes game planning for the Colts' defense more difficult, when there are two defenders who can take on different roles from week to week and even over the course of a game.

"It just makes it that much easier," Anarumo said of having versatile safeties, via Roundtable Sports. "I think that the way offenses are these days, where they're attacking all parts of the field, you want guys to be able to have the ability to not only cover a short zone, but be able to cover a deep zone and not just say, ‘Hey, he's pigeonholed to doing this one thing.’ I think the more the guys that can do more jobs physically, because that's what it starts with, right? The better we'll be. And I think that we’ve got a chance to have that."

To go along with his versatility, Haulcy brings impressive ball production to the Colts' defense as well. Over the last two years, he's come away with eight interceptions and 12 pass deflections.

However, like any rookie, while the Colts are bullish on Haulcy's versatility, Anarumo first wants to see how he acclimates to the new playbook and NFL level.