The Colts focused on defense within the 2026 NFL Draft with five of their first six picks coming on that side of the ball. After also taking swings at running back and wide receiver to shut the draft, Indianapolis signed the next 12 undrafted free agents so as to add a couple of more long-shot options to their 20-man rookie class:
- Cameron Ball, DT (Arkansas)
- Austin Brown, S (Wisconsin)
- Tahj Chambers, LB (Mississippi)
- Sahmir Hagans, WR (Duke)
- E.J. Horton, WR (Purdue)
- Mitchell Melton, DE (Virginia)
- Lincoln Pare, RB (Texas)
- Nolan Rucci, T (Penn State)
- Raylen Sharpe, WR (Arkansas)
- Geno VanDeMark, C (Alabama)
- Jordon Vaughn, RB (Abilene Christian)
- West Weeks, LB (LSU)
Though the Colts were in a position to add some more young bodies on offense with this UDFA class, most of their notable signings here were on the defensive side of the ball, as well. Brown has all the fitting tools to be a roaming safety that drops down into the slot and box within the NFL but was unable to provide impact plays with any regularity for the Badgers. He must’ve had various suitors, though, as NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Indy gave Brown $272K in guaranteed money in an effort to secure his signature.
At 6-foot-3.5 and 310 kilos, Ball’s imposing frame had evaluators expecting teams to take a likelihood on him a while on Day 3 of the draft. He’s a formidable run blocker who might want to develop some pass rush ability to remain on the sphere at the subsequent level.
Finally on offense, Rucci was teammates with Brown for 2 years before transferring to Completely satisfied Valley. He only spent one season as a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions, but at just over 6-foot-8, 314 kilos, Rucci has a great frame on which the team can construct upon. Some technique work and robust coaching might be needed in his future, but he’s a worthy project for the Colts to tackle.