The Indianapolis Colts are wasting no time getting their 2026 draft class settled in, as nearly the entire group has officially signed contracts just in time for rookie minicamp. This Friday, the team will welcome six of their eight draft picks to the practice field, a strong sign that the front office and coaching staff are aligned on building for the future.
Among the new faces in Indianapolis are linebacker CJ Allen, safety A.J. Haulcy, defensive ends George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan, and wide receiver Deion Burks. These six players will be donning the horseshoe for the first time, ready to prove their worth in a competitive environment. The only two holdouts from the class are offensive lineman Jalen Farmer and linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who remain unsigned for now.
Let's break down what each of these rookies brings to the table. CJ Allen, a 6'1", 233-pound linebacker at just 21 years old, is the headliner of this group. The Colts are high on his football IQ, character, and natural leadership, and they expect him to step into the starting MIKE linebacker role immediately, taking over for Zaire Franklin. Allen was one of the SEC's most consistent defensive playmakers over the last two seasons, and his ability to read offenses and direct the defense could be a game-changer for Indianapolis.
At safety, A.J. Haulcy (6'0", 215 pounds, 22 years old) is another rookie projected to start early, lining up alongside Cam Bynum. Haulcy is an instinctive, versatile defender who can deliver a punishing hit or snag an interception with equal ease. The Colts love his competitiveness and believe he can be a difference-maker in the secondary from Day 1.
On the defensive line, George Gumbs Jr. (6'4", 245 pounds, 23 years old) is an intriguing project. He started his college career at Northern Illinois as a wide receiver and tight end before transitioning to edge defender at Florida. While he's still raw, his size and athleticism are undeniable, and the Colts see real potential in his development. Meanwhile, Caden Curry (6'3", 260 pounds, 22 years old) is the blue-collar worker of the group. A local kid from Greenwood, Indiana, Curry made his name at Ohio State as a standout special teams player and reliable edge-setter. He may not be a flashy pick, but his grit and effort could earn him a roster spot.
In the backfield, running back Seth McGowan (6'0", 223 pounds, 24 years old) brings a physical, downhill running style. He'll be in a direct competition with DJ Giddens for the RB2 role behind Jonathan Taylor. The deciding factor could come down to special teams ability and pass protection, though neither McGowan nor Giddens have extensive backgrounds in those areas. It's a battle to watch closely.
With rookie minicamp kicking off, these six new Colts are ready to hit the ground running. For fans, this is the first real look at the future of the franchise—and for a team looking to reload, every rep counts.