Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema compiled his list of eight rookies who should “redshirt” during their 2025 rookie season. And of those eight players, two were members of the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie class.
The first Colts‘ draft pick that Sikkema mentioned was cornerback Justin Walley, who Indianapolis drafted in the third round–a pick that many analysts thought was a bit early.
“The biggest question mark with Walley is his strength,” wrote Sikkema. “His weight (190 pounds) ranks in just the 24th percentile for the position, and that shows up in his tackling and hand-fighting against bigger receivers. Giving Walley a year to get stronger could yield a starting-caliber player in 2026.”
At the college level last season, missed tackles were a big issue for Walley, who missed 19.2% of his tackle attempts, according to PFF. However, he has very good speed, running a 4.40-second 40, and some of the traits that he possesses, including his toughness, intellect, and instincts, as Colts’ area scout Tyler Hughes described, can help Walley overcome being on the lighter side for an NFL cornerback.
Also, given how Chris Ballard has reshaped the cornerback room this offseason, it’s not a necessity either that Walley start Week 1, potentially giving him the ability to develop this year as long as the Colts stay healthy.
The second Colts’ draft pick that Sikkema mentioned was offensive tackle Jalen Travis, who was selected in the fourth round.
“Travis’ 58.9 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024 showed he still needs work to turn that explosiveness into true people-moving power,” wrote Sikkema. “Colts right tackle Braden Smith will be 30 years old and a free agent next offseason.”
As we’ve detailed, Travis was one of the better pass-blocking tackles last season by PFF’s metrics. But on the flip side, as Sikkema notes, there is room for improvement in the run game.
With Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann, Travis doesn’t need to start, but he may end up needing to be the Colts’ first swing tackle option off the bench.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: PFF suggests 2 Colts’ picks need to ‘redshirt’
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema compiled his list of eight rookies who should “redshirt” during their 2025 rookie season. And of those eight players, two were members of the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie class.
The first Colts‘ draft pick that Sikkema mentioned was cornerback Justin Walley, who Indianapolis drafted in the third round–a pick that many analysts thought was a bit early.
“The biggest question mark with Walley is his strength,” wrote Sikkema. “His weight (190 pounds) ranks in just the 24th percentile for the position, and that shows up in his tackling and hand-fighting against bigger receivers. Giving Walley a year to get stronger could yield a starting-caliber player in 2026.”
At the college level last season, missed tackles were a big issue for Walley, who missed 19.2% of his tackle attempts, according to PFF. However, he has very good speed, running a 4.40-second 40, and some of the traits that he possesses, including his toughness, intellect, and instincts, as Colts’ area scout Tyler Hughes described, can help Walley overcome being on the lighter side for an NFL cornerback.
Also, given how Chris Ballard has reshaped the cornerback room this offseason, it’s not a necessity either that Walley start Week 1, potentially giving him the ability to develop this year as long as the Colts stay healthy.
The second Colts’ draft pick that Sikkema mentioned was offensive tackle Jalen Travis, who was selected in the fourth round.
“Travis’ 58.9 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024 showed he still needs work to turn that explosiveness into true people-moving power,” wrote Sikkema. “Colts right tackle Braden Smith will be 30 years old and a free agent next offseason.”
As we’ve detailed, Travis was one of the better pass-blocking tackles last season by PFF’s metrics. But on the flip side, as Sikkema notes, there is room for improvement in the run game.
With Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann, Travis doesn’t need to start, but he may end up needing to be the Colts’ first swing tackle option off the bench.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: PFF suggests 2 Colts’ picks need to ‘redshirt’
