A look at why Colts’ rookie CB Justin Walley is positioned to make a quick impact.
(This story was updated to correct a typo.)
Our NFL Wire editors recently selected one “surprise” rookie from each of our respective teams who could make some noise in 2025 and develop into an impact player sooner rather than later. For the Indianapolis Colts, I selected third-round cornerback Justin Walley.
For one, the Colts’ rookie has already caught the attention of his teammates and the coaching staff.
“He’s shown me he can be a dog,” Ward said of Walley after Thursday’s practice. “He can cover real well. He has some rookie mistakes, obviously he’s a young guy, but he’s been competing with all the big dogs on offense. I think he got that it factor in him. He confident in himself. He not scared. He don’t act like a rookie all the time, he playing like a vet, got his head on straight. I’ve been proud of him so far, for sure.”
Head coach Shane Steichen has also taken notice of Walley’s play.
“Walley’s been doing a hell of a job,” Steichen said. “That’s a good get by Chris in the draft. He’s making a lot of plays out there.”
Compared to the consensus big board, where the Colts took Walley came as a bit of a surprise, with him going earlier than expected. However, while slightly undersized at 5-10 – 190 pounds, Walley is an excellent fit for Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme.
His 4.4 speed allows him to be sticky in man coverage, he’s had good ball production at Minnesota, and the Colts view him as a versatile defender, which is valuable in this new disguise-heavy defense.
Walley will be competing for playing time opposite of Ward with Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents, but in this defensive system, where there is going to be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, it sure looks like he will have some sort of role as a rookie.