The Colts focused on defense in 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 close the draft, Indianapolis signed the following 12 undrafted free agents to add a few 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 able 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 right tools to be a roaming safety that drops down into the slot and box in the NFL but was unable to produce impact plays with any regularity for the Badgers. He must’ve had a number of suitors, though, as NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Indy gave Brown $272K in guaranteed money in order to secure his signature.
At 6-foot-3.5 and 310 pounds, Ball’s imposing frame had evaluators expecting teams to take a chance on him some time on Day 3 of the draft. He’s a formidable run blocker who will need to develop some pass rush ability to stay on the field at the next level.
Finally on offense, Rucci was teammates with Brown for two years before transferring to Happy Valley. He only spent one season as a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions, but at just over 6-foot-8, 314 pounds, Rucci has an ideal frame on which the team can build upon. Some technique work and strong coaching will be needed in his future, but he’s a worthy project for the Colts to take on.