The Indianapolis Colts took Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley in the third round of this year's draft, and he's already making a splash, before training camp has even started. Though first-round pick Tyler Warren has gotten a fair share of hype, too, Walley has leapfrogged right over JT Tuimaloau as the rookie with the most buzz surrounding him. Whatever he's been doing at OTAs and minicamp, it's clearly making an impact.
Walley is being named the biggest offseason surprise for the Colts, and it appears that landing in Indianapolis is a dream come true in every way. It gives him the chance to learn from one of the Colts most underrated players - Kenny Moore II - live and in person, which is a big deal for Walley.
After all, that's who he modeled his entire game around.
What a full circle moment for @JustinWalley_. pic.twitter.com/LMu0aU6aq6
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 23, 2025
"The biggest coincidence in all of this, kind of the person that I modeled my game after was Kenny Moore, and I'm on his team now," he said. "So I think that was probably the thing I'm most excited for. I've watched so much film on him, and to be his teammate, to be able to pick his brain on small things, how he does, his habits off the field, and things like that. So it's a blessing to be able to be on the same team as him."
Moore was previously named the unsung hero for Indianapolis, and today, he's one of the most experienced and well-respected players on the roster. He's one of the league's best slot cornerbacks, and he'll be a great person for Walley to learn from. It's clear that Walley is already an aggressive physical player, but what sets Moore apart is how much he understands the mental part of the game.
And already, Walley is proving that he's got what it takes. Just ask Charvarius Ward.
"He's shown me he can be a dog," he said. "He can cover real well. He has some rookie mistakes, obviously he's a young guy, but he's been competing with all the big dogs on offense. I think he's got that it factor in him. He's confident in himself. He's not scared. He don't act like a rookie all the time, he's playing like a vet, got his head on straight. I've been proud of him so far, for sure."