Rising Indianapolis Colts rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs

Shane Steichen is asked about his quarterback situation every time he stands in front of reporters. With Richardson suffering an arm injury, the questions have only ramped up. Yet, during one of the few moments he was asked about the Colts’ defense, Steichen lit up at the opportunity to talk about Walley.

Steichen replaced former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with Lou Anarumo in the offseason, forcing his team to endure another transition. Regardless, Steichen has been happy with the team’s progression, even early in the offseason.

Steichen said the unit looked “good” before singling out Walley as a recent standout when asked about his defense after the Colts’ OTAs session on Thursday.

“Walley’s been doing a hell of a job,” Steichen said. “That’s a good get by Chris in the draft. He’s making a lot of plays out there.”

Given the organization’s uncertainty under center, it can be easy for a cornerback to stand out against a lost offense. However, Walley has reportedly held his own against top wideouts Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce in single coverage.

Since hiring Anarumo, the Colts have made several defensive signings in free agency. Indianapolis most notably added former All-Pro Charvarius Ward and veteran safety Camryn Bynum. Both have also recognized Walley’s immediate impact.

With Ward, JuJu Brents, Samuel Womack III, Kenny Moore II and David Long Jr. on the roster, the Colts’ cornerback room is full of promise. Given the veteran names ahead of him, it would not be surprising to see Walley spend his rookie season buried on the depth chart. However, he is one of the few defensive players Steichen singled out at OTAs, giving him a very promising start.

Colts have loved Justin Walley from the start

Even after adding the secondary depth they did in free agency, the Colts aggressively targeted Walley in the draft. In his performances at Minnesota’s Pro Day, Walley especially drew the eyes of general manager Chris Ballard.

Walley’s tape was impressive, but he statistically regressed in his final year at Minnesota. Still, that did not stop Ballard from jumping out of his seat to take him with his final Day Three pick. Ballard heaped praise on Walley in his post-Day Two presser, praising his new cornerback’s work ethic.

“He’s freaking good,” Ballard said of Walley. “Let me tell you this. He broke his wrist. In a time when people don’t want to work out — we have guys ducking it — he does everything with a broken wrist. He runs a 4.37 [40-yard dash] with a cast on his wrist. He does every drill, and it shows up on tape; he was a 40-game starter in the Big 10.”

Ballard singled out Walley’s contributions to Minnesota’s upset win over then-No. 11-ranked USC. Walley recorded four pass breakups in that game, including three on the Trojans’ final drive. Ballard said his performance in that game is what sealed the deal.

Walley’s impression on Ballard caused Indianapolis to take him over notable cornerback prospects Nohl Williams, Quincy Riley and Caleb Ransaw, among others. The available pool was part of the reason why many scratched their heads hearing Walley’s name so early in the process. But if the Colts’ 2025 OTAs are any indication, they chose the right rookie.