These position outlooks changed most for the Colts following the NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens runs the ball in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
The Colts led 24-7 at halftime. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Imagesimproved their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft by adding numerous potential day-one contributors, headlined by defenders CJ Allen and A.J. Haulcy. The two featured players in question are projected to start as rookies, or at least they have the inside track to winning the starting jobs at MIKE linebacker and strong safety.
Although the rest of their draft haul consists of ready-made players, their respective paths to starting as rookies are much slimmer. However, just because they are Day 3 draft selections doesn't rule them out of contributing early, nor does it mean there's no chance they can earn a starting spot in year one. With that said, let's break down the three position battles most affected by the Colts' 2026 NFL Draft class.
Dec 14, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive players, including quarterback Philip Rivers , offensive tackle Jalen Travis , guard Matt Goncalves , and Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini huddle during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images The Indianapolis Colts have operated throughout the offseason thus far as if their 2026-27 starting offensive line is set in stone. Spoiler alert, it's not.
The 6'5", 312-pound mauler in the run game flashed promising tendencies as a pass protector this past season, with his natural power ultimately being the selling point that caused OL Coach Tony Sparano Jr. to purchase all of his stock. OL Coach Tony Sparano Jr.’s combine interview with G Jalen Farmer showcased a match made in heaven of sorts.in free agency earlier this offseason, all signs have pointed toward 2025 fourth-round pick Jalen Travis succeeding him.
Travis filled in for Smith in the last four games of the season, proving to be on an upward trajectory worth betting on. Furthermore, third-year offensive lineman Matt Goncalves was a full-time starter at right guard this past season after starting eight games at right tackle as a rookie.
Although he seemingly secured his spot at right guard while the true battle is at right tackle, there's a reality where Jalen Farmer plays so well this summer that he earns the job at right guard, resulting in Goncalves and Travis fighting for the right tackle spot. Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither celebrates an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Davis-Gaither started just 11 games for the Bengals in five seasons under Anarumo, but became a full-time starter for the Arizona Cardinals in their lone season apart. Selecting Georgia CJ Allen in the second round didn't affect this outlook, as he's slated to fill the void that longtime starter Zaire Franklin left at MIKE linebacker, but Now, Boettcher and Davis-Gaither are set to battle it out this summer for the WILL linebacker job.
The rookie is projected to be a major special teams contributor in year one, but the overall turnover in the linebacker room means there are no guarantees of spots or roles. The Colts are in a playoff-or-bust mindset entering the season despite what their roster suggests, which points to the best man winning more than ever before.
Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens runs the ball past Green Bay Packers cornerback Bo Melton during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Entering draft weekend, the Colts had a running back room comprised of Jonathan Taylor and then everybody else.
Second-year back DJ Giddens had an underwhelming rookie season that instilled little confidence for a sophomore jump, and former UDFA Ulysses Bentley IV projects as a strong practice squad option. Indianapolis could very well choose to add a veteran mid-season to strengthen the room outside of Taylor, as they did in 2025 when adding Ameer Abdullah to the mix, but as of now, recent Day 3 picks in Giddens and McGowan are slated to compete for the RB2 opening.
Noah Compton is the Publisher of Indianapolis Colts On SI. Noah is from the Indy area and has been covering the Colts since 2022, including stops at FanSided, The Blue Stable, and SBNation.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
49ers Post-Draft Wide Receiver Depth Chart: New Faces All AroundWhat does the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver depth chart look like after the NFL draft?
Read more »
2027 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings: Dante Moore, Arch Manning Contend for QB1 SpotMoore and Manning will be among the most talented and experienced quarterbacks in what's set up to be a loaded draft class.
Read more »
What Other NFL Execs Are Saying About Raiders' DraftHere is what league executives said about Las Vegas' 2026 draft class.
Read more »
Tennessee Titans Saw Carnell Tate As Best Receiving Weapon for Cam Ward in 2026 NFL DraftThe Tennessee Titans prioritized weapons for second-year QB Cam Ward in the 2026 NFL draft and secured what they believe is the best receiving weapon in the class in Carnell Tate.
Read more »
Albert Breer’s Takeaways: Expectations for Arch Manning Before 2027 NFL DraftThe Texas QB is a trendy pick to be taken first. Plus, behind-the-scenes looks at the De’Zhaun Stribling and Sonny Styles picks and more.
Read more »
NHL Draft Lottery: Where will the Chicago Blackhawks pick in 2026 NHL Draft?The Chicago Blackhawks will soon find out where they'll select in the draft lottery. Here's what to know as the lottery gets closer to airing at 6 p.m. CT.
Read more »