Seventh-round NFL draft picks are people, too, of course. While first-round choices are expected to be future stars, anyone can be. Exhibit A would be San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who was the last pick in the draft and became a high-end starter. This is where Indianapolis Colts defensive back/linebacker Hunter Wohler comes in.
Wohler was a productive player at the University of Wisconsin, but he did not have the raw athletic ability that causes teams to drool. He had something almost as good, though: His motor never shuts off, and he is willing to do anything a team asks of him.
So far in Colts training camp. Wohler, a strong safety in college who was likely to move to inside linebacker in the NFL, has wreaked havoc wherever he has been tasked to play. At linebacker, he has shown a high football IQ and can read plays as they begin to develop.
Rookie Hunter Wohler is already making a big impact on the Indianapolis Colts
As a safety, he can come up and help stuff the run and is an excellent tackler. What has surprised many, though, is how well he has done in coverage from day one of camp.
Wohler's latest victim wasn't his own team, either. In the run-up to Indy's first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, the two teams held a joint practice against Baltimore. Late in the practice, with presumed starters resting or leaving with injury, Wohler had two interceptions. One was on a tipped pass, but the other was far more impressive.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the best QBs in the league, was facing the Colts' defense during a two-minute drill. Hunter Wohler was filling in at linebacker. Jackson was attempting to throw a pass over the middle after getting pressure, but Wohler was able to high-point the ball and pick it off.
The play showed a number of things. One is that Wohler has the ability to out-think his opponent, no matter where he lines up, safety or linebacker. Another is that he is more physically gifted than might have been assumed ahead of the draft. A last point is that Wohler shows no fear of whoever he is playing, whether it's a backup or Lamar Jackson.
But the reason that Wohler has likely cemented a spot on the active 53-man roster for 2025 is the combination of standing out defensively, but being fantastic on special teams. It is the third phase of the game that he will probably make his biggest impact, but he certainly shouldn't be counted out of making a play on defense that wins the Indianapolis Colts a game or two this year.