The Indianapolis Colts have been on a rollercoaster recently. Having raced out to a 7-1 start in 2025, Indy felt like a true juggernaut, and it wasn't a stretch at the time to say that this team was a legitimate contender and a favorite for the AFC's top seed in the playoffs.
However, the Colts collapsed down the stretch, lost quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn Achilles, and also traded two first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Finishing just 8-9 in 2025, Indy is definitely primed to run it back, if you will, in 2026.
And that isn't the worst thing ever. Jones was playing at a borderline-MVP level in 2025, and the return of Alec Pierce on a four-year deal could keep the offense as a top-tier vertical threat. Running back Jonathan Taylor is still a thing, too, and is one of the best playmakers in the league.
Indianapolis Colts could soon turn a weakness into a strength thanks to CJ Allen
The defense, though, is where there is more of an unknown, but this Colts rookie could help turn a major weakness into a strength.
Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick predicted that the Colts' second-round pick, Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, would be the best rookie from the Colts' class in 2026.
"Indianapolis has plenty of snaps to offer at linebacker after Zaire Franklin’s departure," Flick wrote, "and Allen is a pro-ready defender with elite intangibles. He was the heart of Georgia’s defense, often lauded for his work ethic and communication skills, both of which should help him get on the field quickly at the next level. Allen is a good tackler and disruptive blitzer, with enough speed to track down ballcarriers in pursuit. He has the makings of a steady, reliable pro."
The Colts actually added two linebackers in the draft, not only taking Allen, but also snagging Bryce Boettcher, a two-sport collegiate athlete in the fourth round. Indianapolis primarily rocked with Germaine Pratt and Zaire Franklin in 2025, two linebackers who would have been an elite duo back in 2021.
With Allen, specifically, the Colts are getting an extremely high-floor player. He's not necessarily going to be running around the field making splash plays, but he brings a steady presence onto the field. He'll be able to wear the green dot for Lou Anarumo's defense and have the ability to relay the play-calls to the rest of the unit.
He's also typically always going to be in the right place at the right time. Frankly, I was shocked to see Allen falling deep into Round 2. Allen also just turned 21 years old in March, so the upside is simply due to the youth. Coming in at just under 6-1 and weighing 230lbs, Allen's size isn't ideal, but that hasn't really impacted his game.
The Colts being more stout in the middle of the defense is going to be crucial. The unit ranked just 21st in points allowed and allowed the second-most passing yards in the league. Given that Anarumo is a proven defensive coordinator and has fielded top units in prior seasons, it really boils down to a personnel issue with the Colts.
However, with Allen now in the picture in the middle of the defense, and even Gardner entering his first full season with the team, this defense as a whole could take a major step forward.