Colts’ 2026 draft class earns harsh grade in new NFL ranking

Sports Illustrated 's Justin Melo ranked the Colts' rookie group 29th among all 32 NFL teams following Week 5 and assigned Indianapolis a D grade. Indianapolis made linebacker CJ Allen its first selection at No. 53 overall in the second round, but his defensive opportunities have been limited. Melo wrote that the Colts "have not trusted CJ Allen to play WILL linebacker," while Akeem Davis-Gaither starts at the MIKE position. Third-round safety A.J. Haulcy has received more playing time. Haulcy has started all five games and recorded 21 tackles and two passes defensed, per Colts.com .