What was it about CB Justin Walley that stood out to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 NFL draft?

As we know, how the outside world on the consensus big boards views a draft prospect vs. how the Indianapolis Colts or any NFL team views a player can be wildly different. An example of that in this year’s draft was Colts‘ third-round pick Justin Walley.

As noted by PFF, Walley was No. 194 on the consensus big boards but ended up going 80th overall to Indianapolis. So what was it about Walley’s game that stood out to the Colts?

“You’re going to get some versatility with him,” area scout Tyler Hughes said via Indy Star. “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, you don’t see that. It’s not common nowadays. It shows you what type of player he is.”

At 190 pounds, Walley is a bit undersized and dealt with a fairly high missed tackle rate last season. However, with 4.4 speed, he’s fast, which can help make up for some of that lack of size, and it also allows for Walley to play on an island–something Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme may ask of the cornerbacks.

To go along with that speed, as Hughes mentions, the Colts view Walley as someone who can line up both inside and out–versatility is another important trait within Anarumo’s defense–along with him being “smart, tough, instinctive,” and able to take the ball away. According to PFF, Walley finished his career with seven interceptions and 16 pass breakups.

Beyond Walley’s production, his willingness to go through each of the drills at the NFL combine while wearing a cast on his wrist also very much caught the attention of Chris Ballard and Co.

“[Justin Walley is] freaking good. He is. He is really good,” Ballard said via Horseshoe Huddle. “Let me tell you this, he’s got a wrist (injury) right now. He broke his wrist. In a time when people don’t want to work out. I mean, we have guys ducking it. He does everything with a wrist and runs 4.37, with a cast on his wrist. He does everything, every drill, and it shows up on tape.”

Walley joins a Colts’ cornerback room that has quickly been reshaped this offseason. He could potentially compete with Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and others for the starting spot opposite of Charvarius Ward, or also backup Kenny Moore in the nickel. Overall, his presence will help further elevate the competition in this room and bolster the depth.

“The more good players you have in the room, the (better) chance they all have a chance to get better and compete,” Ballard said. “And look, at some point you’re going to need them all…at some point during the season, they’re going to get thrown in a game in a crucial moment and have to play.”