Colts Third Round Draft Pick Named Rookie Who Could Surprise

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New Indianapolis Colts CB Justin Walley.

The Indianapolis Colts allowed 4,142 passing yards last season, the eighth most in the league.

The Colts signed cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum to help lower the pass yardage allowed next season.

Indy also drafted cornerback Justin Walley out of Minnesota in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to help combat the problem.

“The Colts picked Walley in the third round, which compared to the consensus big board, was much earlier than many anticipated him going. Walley is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with really good speed, and skill set-wise, he is a great fit for Lou Anarumo’s defense,” Bretl wrote for USA Today’s Touchdown Wire.

“With that speed, he can hold his own in man coverage, he had good ball production at Minnesota, and the Colts view him as a versatile defender, an important element to have in this new disguise-heavy defense.”

Walley Impressing During Practice

GettyColts cornerback Justin Walley

The only cornerback with a guaranteed starting job with the Colts come the opening weekend is Charvarius Ward, leaving the possibility of Justin Walley winning the spot opposite Ward open.

“The starting cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward is up for grabs, and Walley has received rave reviews so far from coaches and teammates,” Bretl wrote.

“Whether he starts Week 1 still has to be determined, but in a defense where there will be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, it sure looks like he will have some sort of role as a rookie.”

Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke to reporters on June 5th, mentioning that the defense has been impressive and naming Walley specifically.

“Walley’s been doing a hell of a job,” Steichen said. “That’s a good get by Chris [Ballard] in the draft. He’s making a lot of plays out there. It’s good to see the young guys making plays.”

Winning the Starting Job

GettyIndianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones.

While the starting job for CB2 is open, there will be a training camp battle for it.

Currently on the roster that will most likely provide the most competition to Walley is Kenny Moore, who was a Pro Bowler in the 2021-2022 season. Moore received a 70.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season.

Second-year player Jaylon Jones, who received a 67.9 coverage grade from PFF, ranked 60th out of qualifying corners. Juju Brents, who has been plagued with injuries since entering the league two seasons ago.

Alongside signing Ward at the cornerback spot, the Colts also brought in Corey Ballentine on a one-year deal.

While it is a way up for the rookie, it seems Justin Walley is making strides to get the starting job in week one of the 2025-26 NFL season.