Welcome to Indianapolis, Justin Walley!

With the 80th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected cornerback Justin Walley out of Minnesota.

It was a bit perplexing that Chris Ballard selected a corner as early as he did after signing Charvarius Ward in the offseason. Plus, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, Kenny Moore II, and Samuel Womack III. However, the Colts were in need of a backup to Kenny Moore at slot corner. Like I wrote about yesterday with DJ Giddens and Jonathan Taylor, Kenny Moore is in the second to final year of his contract, but the Colts can get out of it. If they decide to part ways with Kenny, they will save $10 million. I don’t believe either player will be cut, but it’s something to note.

Walley was considered a player that could have been drafted anywhere between the third round and sixth round. He is a very twitchy, quick, and a knack for breaking up passes. He led the Golden Gophers with 10 PBUs a season ago and eighth in FBS with 12 passes defended. He was tabbed as a second-team All-Big Ten player in his senior campaign. Finally, he was incredibly durable and reliable. In the 49 games he played in his four years at Minnesota, he started 42 games. He’s guarded wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Charlie Jones, David Bell, Jayden Reed, and others.

Indianapolis Colts third-round pick Justin Walley joined Query & Company on Thursday! He shared:

• What his pre-draft process was like with Indianapolis
• How challenging it was trying to contain Tyler Warren when Minnesota faced Penn State last season
• His connection to Indianapolis

To listen to Jake Query’s and conversation with Justin Walley, download the podcast containing the conversation below! You can always listen to the Query & Company from 12pm-3pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. You can also watch and interact with the show by going to the 107.5 The Fan YouTube Channel.