Nebraska v Minnesota
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INDIANAPOLIS – These are the boots on the ground identifiers of the talent and the character.
It’s time for our annual summer series where we look back on the Colts draft picks in 2025, via the scouts.
Here are the Colts scouts on 3rd round pick Justin Walley:
From several different people this spring, the Colts did not hold back in singling out Walley for what they saw out of him in the offseason program.
When the Colts drafted Walley in the middle of Round 3 this year, it was a deviation from the strict physical characteristics they typically abide by cornerback.
The selection, with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the building, was more of a nod to the football character of the 4-year starter from Minnesota.
“Besides the (smaller) size, he plays the game the way we want him to play,” Colts area scout Tyler Hughe says. “Smart, tough, instinctive, takes the ball away. He’s going to come up in the run game and fill the hole when he’s trying to tackle.
“Overall, he’s a complete player, aside from the size, and then the character on top of it.”
The anti-Chris Ballard draft pick has left quite a strong first impression on the Colts.
At 5-10, Walley’s height is a rare commodity for a Ballard draft pick at cornerback.
For the most part, the Colts are going to give Walley a look as an outside cornerback first, with the belief he could have a future role playing nickel, as well.
When the Colts reconvene in less than a month for training camp, it’ll be interesting to see how much playing time there is for Walley to compete for.
Free agent signing Charvarius Ward is obviously a starter on the outside, with Kenny Moore II a mainstay, too.
But what about that third cornerback?
Is Walley competing with Jaylon Jones, and possibly JuJu Brents, for that very important job?
Based off what the spring showed, that’s quite possible.
“You’re going to get some versatility with him,” Hughes says of Walley. “He’s smart, competitive, tough, instinctive. I think he showcased that throughout his entire career, went up against some good receivers in his Big Ten career, and then he goes to the Combine, and performing everything with the cast on (for a broken wrist), you don’t see that. It’s not common nowadays.
“It shows you what type of player he is.”