The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026-27 NFL season desperately hoping that several of their draft-class selections are ready to make big impacts sooner rather than later. Considering the numerous holes on defense going into the draft, Indianapolis was expected to rely on fresh faces for next season; they didn’t have much of a choice.
Of the rookies selected in the Colts’ draft, CJ Allen is the only one essentially a lock to start in Week 1 at linebacker. The others -- safety A.J Haulcey, guard Jalen Farmer, linebacker Bryce Boettcher, edge rushers George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan, and wide receiver Deion Burks -- who fill out the Colts' remaining draft class, are all still competing for spots.
The question is: Which of Indianapolis's rookies outside of Allen realistically have a shot at landing playing time in the beginning stages of the new season? Reports out of OTAs and minicamps suggest the Colts' coaching staff is impressed with a handful of their rookies, but which ones will stand out the most once training camp hits, and after?
The Indianapolis Colts' roster situation may thrust these 3 players into playing time
Wide receiver Deion Burks
The Colts' wide receiver situation is partially solved and unsolved. On one hand, they're set at No. 1 and No. 2 with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, but there has yet to be a clear answer at No. 3. Currently competing for that spot are Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Anthony Gould, and the rookie, Burks. Gould is likely out of the picture, leaving the other three fighting for that third spot.
Dulin has doubled as a depth wideout and kick returner for the Colts since his rookie season six years ago, and has never elevated beyond that. Unless Dulin elevates himself higher than ever this offseason, Burks might sneak in.
With a lack of experience in the Colts' wide receiver room, Burks has a realistic chance of being used in the passing game, and considering that the Colts were high on him going into the draft, if he performs well in training camp, his path could open up wide.
Linebacker Bryce Boettcher
Under normal circumstances, where there aren't so many uncertainties surrounding a specific position group and the starters are established, Bryce Boettcher would have an outside chance at legitimate playing time, never mind starting himself. That said, the Colts' linebacker situation isn't under any normal circumstances right now because the position group is unsettled.
Allen is the lock at middle linebacker, even as a rookie, and Akeem Davis-Gaither, who played under Colts' offensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, is expected to start on the weakside. Bryce Boettcher is competing for the strongside linebacker spot.
Boettcher may win that starting spot, but playing time is certainly ahead for him either way, simply because the Colts may have to rely on him to step in early and often.
Safety A.J. Haulcy
Unlike at linebacker, the Colts' safety room is crowded with bodies, some of whom have starting DNA like Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens. A.J. Haulcey will also be competing with Hunter Wohler and Nasir Adderley. That said, Haulcy's path to early playing time could realistically turn into starting beside Cam Bynum; he just has to beat the others out, and Haulcy's talent indicates he could.
Anarumo works best with certain types of defenders, and everything that Haulcy brings to the table, Anarumo loves, and that might be the edge Haulcy needs to win a job.
If Haulcy isn't already a favorite to start at safety, he has every chance in training camp to emerge as one over the others. If he's not a starter in Week 1, Colts fans can still expect to see him on the field more often than not as a rotational player, with a pathway to a starting role in the future.
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