Colts Draft Steals: Allen & Haulcy

0:00On April 25th, Colts pulled off a couple steals in the draft, grabbing linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia at Round 2 Pick 53 after trading. Back and safety, AJ Halsey from LSU at Round 3 Pick 78. Allen's ranked 29th overall, earning an A-plus grade as a projected early Round 2 guy, who fell right into their lap. Allen brings high football IQ from starting in Georgia's tough defense since 2023, with physical blitzing, sideline range, solid, tackling, and smart zone coverage flashes against tight ends. He's got strong hands to be blocks, even if he's not the biggest out there. The slide came from a meniscus tear in November that sideline pre-draft testing, but it's his first big injury and he's set for training camp and OTAs. At just 21 years old since March, his upside screams long-term growth through his rookie deal. Meanwhile, Halsey ranked 43rd on the board with an A-grade, perfect best player available

1:01at a needspot for strong safety amid some. Uncertainty there. This 6 foot 215 pounder runs a 4.5 to 40, blending speed, power, ball skills, and instincts for deep or box work. Pairing him with Cam Bynum gives the defense versatile coverage depth and sharp communicators to run Lou and Arumos disguises and blitzes smooth. Picking these picks into immediate starters, who could lock down the back end for years.