When the Indianapolis Colts wrapped up the 2026 NFL draft, they didn't stop building. The team quickly signed 12 undrafted free agents, and among them is safety Austin Brown—a player who could turn into a hidden gem. Let's break down why this former Wisconsin standout might just push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Brown brings impressive experience to the table. Over four seasons with the Badgers, he logged 1,528 defensive snaps—672 of those coming in his final year alone. He's versatile too, having lined up deep, in the box, and even at nickel. That kind of flexibility is gold in today's NFL, where defenses need to adapt on the fly. Over the last three seasons, Brown broke up seven passes and allowed 10.5 yards per catch in coverage. His missed tackle rate sits at 12%, according to Pro Football Focus, which is a solid number for a defender who isn't afraid to lay the wood. And don't overlook his special teams value: 441 career snaps there give him a clear path to contributing early.
The athletic numbers back up the tape. Brown posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 8.95 out of 10.00, ranking him 147th out of 1,388 strong safeties since 1987. That's elite company, and it signals a player with the physical tools to compete at the next level.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein sums it up well: "Brown is well-built and features good play strength. He's an explosive athlete, but he's missing the desired instincts in coverage, which might explain his lack of ball production. He has good top-end speed and range from the hash. He's a physical striker and can be a full-stop tackler, but inconsistent angles to the ball turn into missteps that lead to explosive plays. His size, athletic profile and potential on special teams give him a chance to compete for a roster spot."
That last point is key. Brown's athletic upside is undeniable, but he'll need to prove he can refine his game. The Colts' safety room is already crowded with Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler—five players vying for roster spots. Brown's path likely runs through special teams. If he can make an immediate impact on coverage units and show growth in defensive reps, he could carve out a role. For a team always looking to add depth and speed, Brown is a name to watch as training camp heats up.