5. How Jalen Farmer fits into the Colts’ O-line ecosystem.
All 24 of Farmer’s collegiate starts at Kentucky were at right guard, and he’ll begin his pro career working on the interior of the Colts’ offensive line as well. The 6-foot-5, 312 pound Farmer does have the sort of arm length (34.5 inches) teams prioritize for tackles, and he worked at right tackle during the Senior Bowl earlier this year.
But, for now, the Colts see Farmer as a guard – though Ballard said he could get some work at tackle in training camp. That’s notable, because the only starting offensive line spot the Colts have to replace in 2026 is right tackle, where 2025 fourth-rounder Jalen Travis could slide into a starting role.
Farmer, then, could push incumbent starter Matt Goncalves at right guard. Goncalves has guard/tackle flexibility, though, so adding Farmer will push competition across the right side of the Colts’ offensive line.
“Competition makes everybody better,” Ballard said. “It just does, all right. So, he will definitely be talented enough. How fast he gets it and if he earns it, then he’ll play.”
The Colts were elated to get Farmer in the fourth round, pointing to his athleticism (he ran a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, a remarkably fast time for someone over 310 pounds) and his hard-nosed physicality.
“You can’t run through him,” Midwest area scout Tyler Hughes said. “He’s strong as hell.”
The Colts, too, are selective with the players they add to their offensive line room not just from a talent standpoint, but from a cultural standpoint. Ballard said Farmer checks both boxes.
“He fits what we look for,” Ballard said.