During offseason programs, there were two very promising developments for the Indianapolis Colts’ secondary.
SI’s Albert Breer recently highlighted the Colts when emptying out his notebook from the offseason. The two players he discussed were rookie safety AJ Haulcy and second-year cornerback Justin Walley.
Haulcy is competing for the starting role next to Cam Bynum and appears to have positioned himself very well to earn those snaps.
“Colts third-round pick A.J. Haulcy is a rookie to watch,” wrote Breer. “His instincts and feel for the game have shown up right away. And while there’s only so much you can see from a rookie before the pads go on, it’s trending now toward the LSU product starting opposite Cam Bynum at safety.”
Haulcy brings very impressive ball production to the secondary, not to mention that he is quite versatile, able to be moved around the defensive backfield.
This not only provides Lou Anarumo with additional flexibility in how he utilizes Haulcy and constructs his game plans, but it also allows him to move Bynum around more as well.
Walley, meanwhile, missed his rookie season due to an ACL injury, but appeared to be on his way to earning playing time in Year 1. He is now stepping into the starting nickel cornerback role in Year 2.
Despite missing a full season, Walley has seemingly picked up right where he left off.
“Second-year corner Justin Walley put together an outstanding spring, too,” Breer wrote. “He lost his rookie year to a torn ACL, but was expected to start before he got hurt, and got through OTAs and minicamp without limitation. The staff sees him as a future Pro Bowler.”
Numerous injuries left the Colts shorthanded in the secondary last season, but this year, Indianapolis could boast one of the top units in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts AJ Haulcy, Justin Walley standing out, says insider
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