The Indianapolis Colts made a savvy move in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting LSU safety AJ Haulcy with the 78th overall pick. This isn't just another rookie—Haulcy brings a wealth of experience and a knack for making game-changing plays that could energize the Colts' secondary from day one.
Over his college career, Haulcy logged an impressive 2,823 snaps, showcasing his versatility by lining up at both free safety and in the box. According to Pro Football Focus, he's been a reliable run defender, but it's his ball-hawking ability that really stands out. Over the past two seasons, he's recorded eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups, proving he has the instincts to turn defense into offense.
Haulcy's journey to the NFL is a testament to his adaptability and work ethic. He started his college career at New Mexico in 2022, playing in 12 games with nine starts. He then transferred to Houston in 2023, where he led the team in tackles. The following year, he earned All Big-12 honors before making the jump to LSU in 2025, where he was named a first-team All-SEC defender. That kind of production across multiple programs shows a player who can thrive in any system.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had high praise for Haulcy, calling him "Mr. Give Me That" and describing him as a "throwback safety" who blends ball-hawking skills with a physical, enforcer mentality. Zierlein noted his "top-notch" pattern recognition and instincts, though he pointed out that a lack of elite top-end speed could be a challenge in man coverage. Still, he projects Haulcy as a good NFL starter in a zone-heavy scheme.
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard echoed that enthusiasm. "He's an interesting guy," Ballard said. "What I love the most is, especially in the transfer world, he goes to New Mexico, starts, goes to Houston, starts, goes to LSU, starts. He takes the ball away. He's physical. He's going to be a good addition. We think we got younger and faster on defense."
Colts scout Mike Lacy added that Haulcy's pro-ready frame and game make him a perfect fit for the team's defensive vision. While he didn't qualify for a Relative Athletic Score due to a lack of measurements, his on-field production speaks volumes. For Colts fans, Haulcy represents a versatile, hard-hitting safety who could quickly become a fan favorite in Indy.