Overview
- Indianapolis traded its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner, which pushed the team to build its class outside Round 1.
- After a small trade down, the Colts took Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53, and team leaders expect him to start at MIKE and wear the green dot, the helmet radio for defensive play calls.
- Anonymous NFL executives told The Athletic the class brings toughness and early starters, highlighting safety AJ Haulcy, and ESPN’s Ben Solak listed Allen as a plausible Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
- Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer is viewed as a challenger for the right guard job, while Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher profiles for sub-packages and late picks George Gumbs Jr., Caden Curry, Seth McGowan, and Deion Burks add depth.
- Gardner played only four games for the Colts but limited catches and yards and let coordinator Lou Anarumo be more aggressive, yet executives say the trade’s final judgment hinges on what Indianapolis does with its next first-round pick.