A slew of OTA practices are kicking off around the league this week, and the Indianapolis Colts are joining the party. Indianapolis’ OTAs are starting on May 26, with several practices running through June 4. This will give players a first chance to stand out to the coaching staff before mandatory minicamp and training camps begin.
This could be an ideal point for rookie safety A.J. Haulcy, as OTAs will allow him to turn the depth chart on its head.
A.J. Haulcy could flip Colts depth chart in OTAs
The Colts snagged Haulcy with the 78th-overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Although Indianapolis didn't nab Haulcy until the third round, he can climb the depth chart in a hurry. And OTAs are the first window for him to do so.
This group saw Nick Cross leave in free agency before signing Juanyeh Thomas to a one-year, $1.33 million deal. Thomas was added on a low-cost deal, and he has only had four starts in his NFL career over three seasons.
He isn't a lock to be a starter, which opens the door wide open for Haulcy. The Texas native was used all over the defense in his collegiate career, playing slot corner and in the box. One of the biggest takeaways on Haulcy's play is his ability to take the football away.
With Houston and LSU, he had 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles. In addition, Haulcy had 347 total tackles, 19 pass deflections, and 4.5 tackles for loss. His play recognition skills and awareness in coverage allow him to consistently be around the ball. It's also worth mentioning that he's more than willing in the run game.
Haulcy's average speed and lack of length could give him some troubles, but at the end of the day, he's someone who can make an impact in 2026.
Considering that Thomas, Jonathan Owens, Daniel Scott, and Reuben Lowery III are other names in the safety room, the LSU product has the pathway to being a Day 1 contributor. Making plays whenever he takes the field in OTAs is the first step in taking over as a starter.
Cam Bynum is the only safety locked into a starting role in 2026. Finding his running mate is one of the Colts' priorities this summer. With Indianapolis taking the practice field this week, Haulcy will be able to show the coaching staff what he's capable of, and with a strong start, he could head into the summer with a real shot of coming out as a starter.
The Colts were thrilled to draft him in the third round, and there's a path for him to turn this depth chart upside down.
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