The Indianapolis Colts were one of the most pleasant surprises in the first half of the 2025 season. Then, it all went downhill. Injuries, head-scratching miscues, and some misfortune came back to bite Shane Steichen's team in the rear.
The Colts are under more pressure in 2026. They have to hope the Daniel Jones gamble pays off, and both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard might have to update their LinkedIn profiles if that's not the case.
The defense also raises some big questions, though it should be much more solid if it can stay healthy. Considering all that, let's dive deep into the 53-man roster and rank all position groups from most to least secure.
Ranking the 2026 Indianapolis Colts' position groups
Offensive line: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
This one's a bit of a slippery slope. The starting five is elite and should be one of the top units in the league, but things go way downhill after that. Other than promising rookie Jalen Farmer, this unit might be in a whole lot of trouble if some of the main guys fall with an injury. This is a true Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde case.
Running back: Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, DJ Giddens
Jonathan Taylor doesn't get enough credit, but he's one of the most consistent and dynamic running backs in football. He's a true workhorse, and he alone is more than enough to earn such a high spot on this list. Also, the Colts found a true mauler in Seth McGowan, who may have beaten fan favorite DJ Giddens for the backup spot with a strong preseason.
Wide receiver: Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Deion Burks, Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell
The Colts' wide receiver room quickly went from being a big question mark to one of the team's strengths. Alec Pierce is trending in the right direction and is one of the league's big-play specialists. They have two savvy options for third down and short gains in Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, and both Deion Burks and Ashton Dulin provide some electric downfield potential.
Tight end: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
Before suffering a groin injury, Tyler Warren was the talk of the hour in Colts training camp. He looks poised for a breakout season after showing glimpses as a rookie, and he might even lead this team in targets and receptions. Mo Alie-Cox is still one of the prime run-blockers in the game, not to mention a perennial red-zone threat.
Defensive line: DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith, Jerry Tillery
If healthy, this group can be outstanding. They already dominated the run in the first year of the Lou Anarumo era, and they should be able to do the same in 2026 if they can stay healthy. That, of course, is a big 'if' for veterans DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Justin Walley, Johnathan Edwards, Jaylon Jones, Cam Taylor-Britt
As with the previous group, the Colts' cornerback room should be among the league's best if they stay healthy. Justin Walley drew rave reviews after missing his rookie season, whereas Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward are two bona fide stars.
Safety: Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy, Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens
Rookie AJ Haulcy looks like the real deal, and he should be a day-one starter in Anarumo's defense. He's great in zone coverage and looks like a true ball-hawk in the making. Cam Bynum is one of the most underrated guys in the league, though this group lacks depth behind those two.
Specialists: Spencer Shrader (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P), Luke Rhodes (LS)
This unit is overlooked often, but the Colts should feel great about their guys. Rigoberto Sanchez is one of the league's best punters and is getting paid as such; Spencer Shrader just won an exciting competition with Blake Grupe. Special teams may not be sexy, but they can win you — or cost you — a ton of games.
Quarterback: Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard
Maybe this is a bit too low. That said, Daniel Jones is coming off a major injury, so even though he's drawn rave reviews and looked great in Steichen's offense, his health has to be a talking point in Indianapolis. Then, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard didn't do much to appease the doubters in the preseason.
Outside linebacker/Edge: Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Caden Curry, George Gumbs Jr., Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons
Laiatu Latu is great and has the potential to be a star, but there's only so much a man can do. Arden Key will most likely start opposite him, though he's been a rotational guy for most of his career. Caden Curry and George Gumbs Jr. both looked great in the preseason, but they're more developmental players. As for Jaylahn Tuimoloau, he continues to disappoint as a hyped-up second-round pick.
Inside linebacker: Austin Ajiake, CJ Allen, Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Charles, Tahj Chambers, Akeem Davis-Gaither
Watching CJ Allen miss that much time and struggle so much in training camp pumped the brakes on the hype about this core. Bryce Boettcher looks like a potential stud, but other than that, there's no clear star potential in this unit. Allen may just need time, though, but this is by far the most underwhelming set of guys on the team.
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