The Indianapolis Colts continued their major defensive overhaul Friday by selecting former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53 overall, in the NFL draft, ending a long wait to make a selection

With the start of the second round trending well with only a handful of edge rushers and linebackers snatched up in the first 14 picks, the Colts have opted to drop back six spots, falling from the 47th overall pick to No.

The Indianapolis Colts were without a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, but things did seem to play out quite well for them, all things considered. Here are three Colts-specific takeaways from Round 1 of the draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen with the No. 53 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

With Round 1 in the books, here are the best available prospects heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft for the Colts.

Before the events continue at 7:00 p.m. ET, let's take one last look at the Colts' roster. Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Seth Henigan, Anthony Richardson Sr. There are two big things that need to be accomplished at quarterback.

Indy still has to address the edge rusher, wide receiver, and depth at the interior offensive line, but it's safe to say that the Colts made the most of their first two picks of their 2026 NFL draft.

However, what this exercise does prior to the draft is highlight where some of the Colts' more pressing roster needs may lie. Colts' projected starting defense before the 2026 NFL