INDIANAPOLIS — On the first day of full‑squad spring workouts, rookie safety A.J. Haulcy made an immediate impression with a one‑handed interception on an over route, a play veteran safety Cam Bynum said Haulcy “snatched out of the air.” That kind of play has been a welcome sign as the Colts reshape a defense that will feature a significant influx of youth in 2026.
The Colts have emphasized continuity on offense by retaining quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce, but the defensive group has undergone an overhaul. With established veterans such as Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner on the roster, much of the unit’s upside now rests with players in their first or second NFL seasons; depending on how camp battles shake out, as many as five defensive starters could be that inexperienced.
Coaches say most of the young contributors have little to no NFL starting experience — none of the group has started a game and only one has logged a regular‑season snap. Second‑round pick C.J. Allen appears likely to win the middle linebacker job and take on sideline communication and play‑calling responsibilities in the huddle. Haulcy has pushed for the starting strong safety role and has drawn praise from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for grasping the subtleties of the game beyond typical rookie expectations.
Other young pieces include nickel corner Justin Walley, a 2025 third‑round pick who missed his rookie year with a preseason knee injury but has resumed the form coaches liked in camp. Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, a 2025 second‑rounder, played in 13 games last season but accounted for just 24% of defensive snaps, and he is making a push to replace Kwity Paye on the strong side. Fourth‑round linebacker Bryce Boettcher also took significant snaps with the starting defense at minicamp and has emerged as a contender in a unit that lacks depth.
Coaching staff members have expressed guarded optimism. Anarumo said the young players “are doing a good job,” while head coach Shane Steichen noted that grasping the system is essential for making plays. The Colts pointed to collegiate experience as a factor in quick assimilation: Haulcy started 44 college games across three schools, and Allen and Boettcher each had 30 starts at Georgia and Oregon, respectively.
