The Indianapolis Colts brought in a talented rookie class in 2026, but not all of them will have the same path to the starting lineup. Let's break down who has the clearest shot at a starting role and who will need to fight for their spot.
CJ Allen – The Safest Bet to Start
If you're looking for the rookie most likely to be on the field Week 1, CJ Allen is your guy. The Colts' linebacker room is thin, with Akeem Davis-Gaither being the only player with significant starting experience. Jaylon Carlies hasn't locked down a consistent role, leaving the door wide open. Allen brings exactly what Indianapolis needs: youth, athleticism, and proven production from Georgia. He led the Bulldogs in tackles in 2025 and finished his college career with 205 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 10 pass deflections. Opportunity meets talent here, making Allen the safest pick to start.
A.J. Haulcy – Talented, but a Crowded Room
Haulcy has the skill set of a future starter, but his path is more complicated. He'll need to beat out Hunter Wohler, Juanyeh Thomas, Jonathan Owens, and Nasir Adderley. That's a lot of competition, but none of those names feel unbeatable. Haulcy's versatility and hard-hitting tackling ability make him a perfect fit for Lou Anarumo's flexible secondary. He's probably the favorite to win the job, but the depth chart makes this far from automatic.
Deion Burks – The Wild Card
Normally, the last pick in the draft isn't viewed as a starting candidate. Deion Burks is not normal. He had Day 2 grades from multiple draft boards but fell much later than expected. His quickness, route running, and experience should help him transition to the NFL. His competition? Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine—not exactly an intimidating wall. If there aren't hidden concerns behind his draft slide, Burks could have one of the clearest paths to playing time of any Colts rookie.
Bryce Boettcher – A Path, but an Uphill Climb
Boettcher has a better chance to start than a typical fourth-round linebacker simply because the position group is unsettled. If his direct competition is Davis-Gaither, there's at least a path. Davis-Gaither's experience gives him the early edge, but Boettcher should still see defensive reps and could push for a bigger role as the season progresses.
For Colts fans, this rookie class offers a mix of clear opportunities and intriguing battles. Whether you're tracking Allen's smooth path or Burks' potential steal, these rookies are worth watching as the season approaches.