The Indianapolis Colts appear to have had a fairly solid draft in 2026. While general manager Chris Ballard didn't have a first-round choice, he was still able to get players who could be immediate starters. What Ballard didn't choose was a cornerback, though, and that should make Justin Walley very happy.
The team's current starting slot corner is Kenny Moore, but Moore has requested a trade. The next player up would be Walley, who missed his rookie season after tearing his ACL in the preseason. The cornerback was playing quite well before that, and was aiming to get a bunch of real snaps in his first season.
Assuming that something happens with Moore eventually, Walley has a clear path to taking his place. That might not have happened had Indy taken a cornerback on Day 2. Maybe the right corner wasn't available, or maybe Ballard and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo simply believe in Walley.
Justin Walley should be ecstatic that the Indianapolis Colts didn't choose a cornerback in the 2026 draft
At the University of Minnesota, Walley was nearly exclusively an outside corner and only got 62 snaps in the slot. He would need time in real games to become the best version of himself, but Indy appears quite content to give him those reps.
Even if Moore isn't (or can't be) traded, Justin Walley should still earn some reps in the slot. The team is going to need him in the future more than it needs Moore. The soon-to-be 31-year-old player isn't signed past 2026 anyway, and the chances that he returns in 2027 are seemingly nonexistent.
It is telling that Moore wasn't traded just before or during the draft. This implies no team wants to take on an aging corner who would be owed $6 million by his new team in a pre-June 1 move. He is still a solid player, but not a long-term option in the slot for any team.
Justin Walley certainly could be. The Indianapolis Colts implied they believe that by not choosing a cornerback in 2026. Of course, what is also interesting about that lack of movement is that it indicates Charvarius Ward isn't thinking about retirement anymore after suffering three concussions last season.
Chris Ballard did acquire several cornerbacks in free agency, but none of them are guaranteed a roster spot. Moreover, if Kenny Moore is dealt, none of the free agent acquisitions appear to have a real chance at taking the slot spot from Walley.
Assuming Walley takes Moore's job eventually, Colts fans should hope he performs close to the level he was in during his final year at Minnesota. He allowed one touchdown pass (as opposed to five in 2023), but intercepted two passes, broke up five more, and had a stellar passer rating allowed on 57.8.
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