Projecting Playing Time For Colts 2026 Rookies Following Draft - Page 6

Projecting Playing Time For Colts 2026 Rookies Following Draft

INDIANAPOLIS – A pair of Day 1 rookie starters seems like a guarantee, but will any other Colts rookies crack the starting lineup?

The Colts selected a ton of pretty accomplished collegiate players in this year’s draft, which adds some intrigue in how early some of these guys can get on the field.

Based off a 1-to-10 scale (1 being lucky to make the roster, 10 being a definite full-time starter), let’s project the playing time for the Colts 2026 draft class:

LB-CJ Allen (10): Day 1 starer. And it sounds like the expected quarterback of the defense from a green dot on the helmet signal calling standpoint. CJ Allen started a handful of games in his freshman year at Georgia, which is very impressive given that program’s linebacker history. The Colts depth chart at linebacker is barren, so any 2^nd round pick was likely going to be a 17-game starter. And that’s the plan for Allen.

S-A.J. Haulcy (9-10): Haulcy has to be viewed as the heavy favorite to replace Nick Cross in the starting strong safety role. Now, the Colts are pretty adamant that Haulcy can be more than just a “box” safety. But when you’re filling out that defensive depth chart for 2026, I think it’s fair to go ahead write him into that role Cross occupied for the last two seasons.

OG-Jalen Farmer (5-6): Right now, I think the starting offensive line is fairly set for the Colts: LT-Bernhard Raimann, LG-Quenton Nelson, C-Tanor Bortolini, RG-Matt Goncalves, RT-Jalen Travis. But the Colts see Farmer, a two-year starter at right guard, as a definite man competing to start. They have even mentioned Farmer as a potential swing tackle. Although his initial NFL beginning will be at guard.

LB-Bryce Boettcher (4-5): The linebacker depth chart hardly has any definites on it. So that’s good news for Boettcher, the 135^th overall pick, trying to earn some playing time. Still though, I think Akeem Davis-Gaither and CJ Allen have to be viewed as the frontline linebacker guys. At the very least, Boettcher should be a core special teamer and knocking on the door for linebacker playing time during his rookie season.

DE-George Gumbs Jr. (2-3): At defensive end, I’d list the Colts having a top 4 right now of Laiatu Latu, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. Unlike many of these 2026 draft picks, Gumbs Jr. falls more into the “development” category. As long as the D-end group stays healthy, Gumbs Jr. looks to be a pseudo “redshirt” guy in Year One.

DE-Caden Curry (3-4): One advantage Curry will bring to his hometown NFL team is the fact that he was a strong special teams player at Ohio State. That’s unique for defensive linemen, and could help him earn a roster spot/or even dress on game days. It’s why I put Curry slightly above Gumbs Jr. in trying to earn some rookie role.

RB-Seth McGowan (5-6) This is a very high number projection for a 7^th round pick. But have you seen the current running back depth chart? It’s just Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Ulysses Bentley IV, and now McGowan. Roles behind Taylor, whatever those are, still need clarity. Although McGowan doesn’t appear to be much of a pass catcher or special teamer, which are usually things that can help a reserve running back.

WR-Deion Burks (4-5): The wide receiver room is a little more crowded than running back, but Burks will also have a chance to wiggle his way into some playing time. A key for Burks will be offering some return ability, with Anthony Gould already on the roster. But that 3^rd/4^th wide receiver is up in the air after Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.