Colts draft Minnesota CB Justin Walley in third round to add depth to revamped defense

Walley’s highlight reel features a momentum-shifting ballhawk who uses incredible instincts to visualize route concepts. He was notorious for jumping short routes and seeing plays develop milliseconds before it happens. Last season, Walley allowed just 23 receptions on 55 targets and his low 42% rate of targets caught ranked among the top 10 qualified cornerbacks eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts used both Day 2 picks to add much needed depth to its revamped defensive unit and drafted Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley with the No. 80 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The most intriguing traits Walley brings to Indianapolis are experience as a four-year starter for the Gophers, along with outstanding ball production. Walley played 1,393 coverage snaps across the last four seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound defensive back is an exceptional playmaker for Colts new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to develop behind proven veterans.

What makes Walley such a valuable addition to the Colts cornerback unit is his effectiveness when targeted as opposing quarterbacks scored just a 54.2 passer rating when Walley was the primary targeted defender. Walley led Minnesota with a career-high 12 pass deflections last season. In 49 career games, Walley compiled 34 pass deflections, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries, earning freshman All-American recognition in 2021 and Second-Team All-Big Ten conference honors in 2024.

Walley ran a 4.40, 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was the eighth-fastest time among cornerbacks that participated during the on-field workouts. Here’s the kicker that impressed NFL scouts and caught the attention of Colts GM Chris Ballard. Walley ran his 40-yard dash with a cast on his right hand after he underwent wrist surgery in December, proving he could still keep up with his peers and showcase his speed on the gridiron inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Walley’s highlight reel features a momentum-shifting ballhawk who uses incredible instincts to visualize route concepts. He was notorious for jumping short routes and seeing plays develop milliseconds before it happens. Last season, Walley allowed just 23 receptions on 55 targets and his low 42% rate of targets caught ranked among the top 10 qualified cornerbacks eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.

It’s tough to gauge if Walley was an overreach in the third round at pick No. 80 due to his recovery from wrist surgery, but Ballard noted his elite speed and toughness make up for his size and medical red flags. A tenacious style of play is intriguing, but Walley was widely considered a sleeper prospect to watch on Day 3 of the draft. Some areas for Walley to improve on are avoiding penalties and securing tackles in the open field instead of diving at the feet of the ball carrier.

With Kenny Moore II starting at nickel and newly signed Charvarius Ward manning one of the outside cornerback spots, Walley may create competition for the other outside cornerback role behind homegrown teammates Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents. The Colts have cycled through eight different sets of starting cornerbacks, who all have struggled together for the last few seasons. This selection adds real depth in the secondary and if he can continue to fine tune his skill set, Walley could emerge as a name to look out for once Colts training camp rolls around this summer.