Getty

New Indianapolis Colt defender AJ Haulcy

The Indianapolis Colts made their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft in the second round and appeared to have found some quality fits for the squad.

“I do think there’s a real strength in the third, fourth and fifth rounds,” Ballard said before the draft, via the Colts. “[I] always feel that there’s players at every level of the draft, and it’s our job to go find them.”

Indy addressed key needs on the defensive side of the ball, including the safety position following the loss of starter Nick Cross to the Washington Commanders.

The Colts selected a potential starting safety in the third round to pair with Cam Bynum. An ESPN analyst named one of the Colts’ draft picks this year as the best value pick in the third round.

Colts Draftee Named Best Value In the Third Round

GettySafety AJ Haulcy

The Indianapolis Colts went with two defensive picks to start the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing the key needs for Lou Anarumo’s defense. Indy selected LSU safety AJ Haulcy with the 78th overall selection, addressing the need for a starting safety.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller named the Colts 78th-overall selection as the best third-round value pick.

“[Safety] A.J. Haulcy to the Colts at No. 78 overall. Haulcy is a physical playmaker at 6-foot, 215 pounds with excellent instincts in coverage and the strength to play in the box. The Colts have a need at safety, so Haulcy has a shot to make an early impact,” Miller wrote.

Haulcy, nicknamed Mr. Gimme Dat, recorded 347 total tackles, 10 interceptions and 19 pass deflections throughout his collegiate career. In his first and only season in the SEC, the defender logged

The safety received an 86.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, marking him the 19th-best safety in the country.

“This kid, his drive. Just his innate want to compete at a higher level,” Colts scout Mike Lacy said. “He’s strong. He’s got a compact muscular build, but I wouldn’t say let that fool you, because he’s got a natural feel for coverage too… He can change directions [quickly]. Ran very well at the combine.”

“He’s not afraid to get his nose in the run game and he’s got ball production on paper. So that tells you he can take it away… I think depending on who you ask, some people thought he’d definitely go earlier [in the draft], but we felt really good about him being there for us and it was a no-brainer.

AJ Haulcy On His Game

GettyLou Anarumo will have a new weapon on defense

AJ Haulcy was all smiles when he got drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

When speaking to reporters following his selection, Haulcy was asked to describe his playstyle, describing it as instinctive and aggressive.

“I’m instinctive,” Haulcy said when describing his playstyle. “I’m a very instinctive player. I use my instinct and film study to lead my game. I’m very physical and aggressive… When teams come to my side… It’s like I want to make you pay every single time.”

AJ Haulcy will likely compete for a starting safety spot with the loss of Nick Cross to the Commanders.