The Indianapolis Colts made eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the buzz around these new additions is already building. To get a clearer picture of what each player brings to the table, we're turning to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades from their final college seasons. While PFF grades are a valuable tool for breaking down performance, it's worth remembering they're just one piece of the evaluation puzzle—but they sure do give us a great starting point.
Let's start with the defensive side of the ball, where the Colts added some serious versatility. Linebacker Allen made his presence felt as a blitzer, racking up 13 quarterback pressures and four sacks. He also proved to be a reliable tackler and broke up three passes in coverage, holding receivers to just 10.6 yards per catch. Safety Haulcy is another exciting addition, bringing a ballhawking mentality to the secondary. Over the last two seasons, he snagged eight interceptions and added 10 pass breakups, showcasing the kind of playmaking ability that can change a game.
Up front, the Colts fortified their offensive line with Farmer, who allowed only 14 pressures and three sacks on 457 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, earning a solid 67.4 run-blocking grade. On the defensive line, Curry was a standout, ranking fifth among defensive ends in run defense grade and 15th in pass rush grade last season—a testament to his all-around ability. Gumbs also made noise, generating 13 pressures and three sacks on 136 pass rush snaps, with a 69.2 grade against the run.
Linebacker Boettcher was a force in coverage, limiting opponents to just 6.0 yards per catch, thanks in part to his dependable tackling. His 72.1 run defense grade and 12 pressures as a blitzer show he can do a little bit of everything. Running back McGowan brings a bruising style to the backfield, rushing for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He forced 35 missed tackles on just 166 carries and averaged 3.22 yards after contact for his career—numbers that suggest he'll be tough to bring down at the next level.
Finally, wide receiver Burks was a key target for Oklahoma in 2025, hauling in 67% of his 86 targets for four touchdowns. His ability to create after the catch was impressive, averaging 5.2 yards after the catch, which should make him a dangerous weapon in the Colts' passing attack. With this mix of defensive playmakers and offensive weapons, Indianapolis has laid a solid foundation for the future.
