The Indianapolis Colts are focused on significantly upgrading their secondary, which ranked seventh-worst in passing yards allowed and tied for tenth in passing touchdowns conceded in 2024. Defensively, two of the three starting cornerback roles are set, with Charvarius Ward holding an outside position and Kenny Moore II locked in as the slot corner. Meanwhile, the Colts have three players vying for the remaining outside cornerback spot, including a promising rookie.
In their latest move, the Colts drafted a standout player from the Big Ten.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Justin Walley with the 80th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his impressive athleticism—highlighted by a 4.40-second 40-yard dash—and toughness, Walley proved his grit at the NFL Scouting Combine by completing drills despite wearing a cast on a broken wrist.
Walley committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a three-star recruit in 2021 and quickly made an impact. Over his collegiate career, he started 42 of 49 games, notched seven interceptions (including a pick-six), and tallied 27 pass deflections, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. His senior season was especially impressive, with two interceptions, a pick-six, and ten pass deflections in just ten games, all while battling through an MCL injury and a broken wrist.
Now entering the NFL, Justin Walley is positioned to play a significant role in the Colts’ secondary in 2025, adding speed, toughness, and experience to the young cornerback group.
Justin Walley has been splitting first-team reps throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp, catching the attention of the Colts’ coaching staff. Stephen Holder of ESPN reports that Walley’s aggressive coverage and strong instincts have stood out during the offseason. If this progress continues into the summer, Walley could earn a meaningful role as a rookie in 2025.
“When the Colts selected Walley in the third round this year, the move felt like a bit of a surprise given the pre-draft projections for the former Minnesota standout. But Walley has been turning heads throughout the offseason with his aggressive coverage and impressive instincts, and it’s now clear he has a chance to have a significant role in the defense as a rookie,” Holder said.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has also expressed his admiration for Walley’s development and impact, highlighting the young cornerback’s potential to contribute right away.
“Really sticky in coverage,” Shane Steichen said, via Stephen Holder. “Has been making a ton of plays through OTAs. So, very pleased with where he is at.”
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