Gut Grade: A.J. Haulcy Offers Colts Much Needed Versatility
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The Indianapolis Colts set out to give their defense a makeover this offseason.
They traded away longtime linebacker Zaire Franklin, and they allowed veterans such as Nick Cross, Kwity Paye, and Samson Ebukam to walk in free agency. The Colts brought in new veterans, such as Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, and Akeem Davis-Gaither, but the youth they wanted came in the draft.
With their first pick, No. 53 in the second round, the Colts added MIKE linebacker CJ Allen to replace Franklin. However, they still hadn't adequately replaced Cross. That came with their very next pick, as they selected A.J. Haulcy out of LSU.
"A.J. is interesting – he's an interesting guy," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said during the draft. "And what I love the most is – especially in the transfer world, but he goes to New Mexico, starts, goes to Houston, starts, goes to LSU, starts. Takes the ball away. He's physical… He's going to be a good addition."
Ballard mentioned the transfer aspect of Haulcy's past, which contradicts what's commonly seen across college football, wherein players transfer away from schools when they're not getting the playing time they want.
Haulcy started everywhere he played and actually transferred twice in ascending moves, going from New Mexico in the Mountain West, to Houston in the Big 12, and ultimately to LSU in the SEC. He earned All-Conference honors at each school, culminating in a First-Team All-American nod in 2025.
The NFL is the natural next step for Haulcy to conquer.
WHAT'S GOOD?
Haulcy immediately passes the eye test, measuring at a well-built 6'0", 215. He's powerful and looks to lay a big hit when it’s there, and is overall a very physical player.
There's quality athleticism that pairs with Haulcy's size, creating versatility. He has a ton of experience as a four-year starter, with nearly 3,000 snaps on defense and another 350 on special teams. Haulcy has played 1,383 snaps at free safety, 1,057 in the box, and 369 in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus.
Haulcy's boxy build and physical demeanor have had many people thinking he' be a strong safety in the NFL, but Ballard doesn't see it so black-and-white.
"I don't quite see it that way," Ballard said when asked if Haulcy is a strong safety. "I mean, I know that was getting thrown out there. No, we think he can play down and in the middle of the field."
Mentally, Haulcy is usually one of the smartest, most instinctive players on the field. He diagnoses things quickly, attacks, and is not often fooled. He always seems to know what’s coming, which allows him to be proactive rather than reactive. Haulcy's feel for zone coverage is terrific. He's usually in a position to deter the quarterback or get to the spot quickly.
That clear football IQ allows him to play confidently at all times.
All these things mold into a productive player, who in four years totaled 347 tackles (4.5 or loss), four forced fumbles, one fumble recovered, 10 interceptions, and 19 pass breakups. Haulcy also averaged 19.9 yards per interception return and even had a 24-tackle game as a true freshman at New Mexico.
CONCERNS
The biggest question mark in Haulcy's game is his tackling. He's not a bad tackler, just overconfident in the big hit rather than consistently wrapping up. His missed tackle rate over the last two years is too high at 15.1%. His missed-tackle rate over the two years prior was 8.6% despite similar playing time, so it is correctable.
GRADE: A+
The Colts had a decent number of players ready to compete to be Cam Bynum's running mate, but Haulcy is easily the most appealing option. The Colts got a player many deemed a top-50-or-so pick at 78th overall.
One way or another, Haulcy is going to see the field as a rookie, likely both as a starting safety on defense and perhaps also on special teams, as he averaged 88.3 special teams snaps per year in college.
The Colts got a player who makes their defense younger, faster, more explosive, and who creates big plays.
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