The Indianapolis Colts made a savvy move in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry. As the team continues to build its roster, this pick adds depth and versatility to their defensive line. Here’s what draft experts had to say about Curry in their pre-draft scouting reports.

Curry’s production took a significant leap in his final college season, recording 46 pressures and 12 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He also graded out as one of the top run defenders at his position group, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. Beyond his defensive work, Curry brings valuable special teams experience, having logged over 600 career snaps in that phase over four seasons.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard summed it up simply: "He's a really good, hard-playing football player." But what do the analysts think? Let’s break down the scouting reports.

One analyst noted that while Curry’s tape doesn’t fully match his production, his potential for growth is high given he was only a one-year starter. "He has good size and can play edge in even or odd fronts. He uses lower-body power to help access the pocket, but his rush lacks explosiveness and a healthy set of go-to moves. He can rush from the interior, allowing teams to get more speed on the field. He’s built to hold up at the point but would benefit from an uptick in aggression. Curry is athletic dropping into space and fits the mold of a stand-up edge with special-teams value."

Another expert offered a realistic outlook, stating, "Curry will likely never be an NFL starter, but he has functionality as an alignment-versatile rotational presence with high-quality run defense, a reliable leverage profile, and motorized playmaking in pursuit." This suggests he’s a reliable depth piece who can step in when needed.

Finally, a third comparison drew parallels to a familiar face: "Curry is a sawed-off, face-up pass rusher with a basic approach, but he plays alert and physical, and affects the game with his white-hot motor (his best attribute). He projects as a versatile NFL backup who can be moved up and down the line of scrimmage—reminiscent of John Simon, another former Ohio State edge defender."

For Colts fans, Curry might not be a household name yet, but his work ethic and versatility could make him a valuable contributor. Whether he’s disrupting runs or chasing down quarterbacks, this pick adds another layer to Indianapolis’ defensive plans.