The Indianapolis Colts aim to drastically improve a secondary that allowed the seventh-most passing yards and tied for the tenth-most passing touchdowns in 2024. The defense currently has two of the three starting cornerback positions locked in, with Charvarius Ward on the outside and Kenny Moore II in the slot. The Colts have three players competing for the CB2/outside corner spot, including a rookie.
Indianapolis Colts selected a Big 10 star
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Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (5) intercepts a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Bryson Nesbit (18) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts drafted Justin Walley 80th overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The front office selected him because of his athleticism, running a 4.40 40-yard dash, and toughness. Walley toughened up at the NFL Scouting Combine by completing drills while wearing a cast on his broken wrist.
Justin Walley committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a three-star recruit for the 2021 season. He had a strong tenure at Minnesota, starting 42 of 49 games, recording seven interceptions, one pick-six, and 27 pass deflections, and earning a Second-Team All-Big 10 selection in 2024. Walley had a great senior campaign, recording two interceptions, one pick-six, and ten pass deflections in ten games, playing through an MCL injury and a broken wrist.
Indianapolis Colts’ young cornerback poised for a significant role in 2025
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) rushes up the field Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II (25) on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
So far, Justin Walley has split first-team reps during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, the third-round pick has impressed the coaching staff in the offseason with his aggressiveness in coverage and instincts. As Holder points out, if this continues into the summertime, Walley has a real shot of playing a significant 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.
Justin Walley has impressed Shane Steichen
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Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley (DB33) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“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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