What takes place during the NFL draft is going to have a ripple-effect into the upcoming season. With each selection that is made, there are winners and losers.
Following the 2026 NFL draft, who are the big winners and losers for the Indianapolis Colts?
Let’s dive in.
Winner: Lou Anarumo
Of the Colts’ eight picks, five were on the defensive side of the ball. Addressing the major roster hole at the linebacker position was prioritized, with Chris Ballard making two additions, including using the team’s first selection on CJ Allen. With uncertainty at safety, AJ Haulcy was added to the mix, along with a pair of pass rushers.
Losers: Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, Hunter Wohler
Coming into the draft, the thought was that these three would be competing for the starting role next to Cam Bynum — and they still will be. However, the competition was kicked up several notches with the addition of Haulcy. He brings a versatile presence to the safety position, along with impressive ball skills.
Winner: Pass rush depth
Whether or not the Colts found a consistent presence to pair with Laiatu Latu remains to be seen, but Ballard has given himself options. Along with drafting George Gumbs and Caden Curry to bolster the rotational depth, he also signed Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency. JT Tuimoloau will compete for snaps as well.
Losers: DJ Giddens
Prior to the draft, Giddens was positioned to be the Colts’ backup running back behind Jonathan Taylor. He could still certainly earn that role, with Ballard speaking highly of him recently. However, those snaps will have to be earned with the addition of Seth McGowan. He’s had two productive sesons at New Mexico and Kentucky, but will have to improve in the passing game, which could be a differentiator for Giddens as he enters Year 2.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Winners and losers from Colts selections