As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, it's time for a deep dive into the Indianapolis Colts' roster, position by position. Today, we're focusing on the engine of the offense: the running back room.
The Colts enter the draft with seven picks, but only two within the top 100. General Manager Chris Ballard has signaled a desire to acquire more capital, which could shape their strategy. While major needs exist elsewhere, let's examine the state of the backfield.
The headline, of course, is Jonathan Taylor. The star runner is under contract through 2026 and, at just 27 years old, remains in his prime. He could even be in line for a contract extension this year, solidifying his role as the centerpiece of the ground game.
Behind Taylor, the depth chart saw some offseason movement. Tyler Goodson departed in free agency, while veterans Ameer Abdullah and Salvon Ahmed remain unsigned. This leaves Evan Hull, along with practice squad holdover Caleb Bentley and developmental player George Giddens, who is still refining his skills in pass protection.
Given Taylor's presence, running back isn't a glaring need. However, adding a dynamic, cost-controlled rookie to bolster depth and provide competition would be a smart, forward-looking move for Ballard. Don't expect a Day 1 or 2 splash, but a mid-to-late round selection to inject youth and special teams value is firmly on the table.
As the Colts look to build a complete roster for a playoff push, securing a reliable complement to Taylor could be a subtle yet crucial piece of the 2026 draft puzzle.
