League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Colts safety A.J. Haulcy earns attention as potential defensive starter

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 12:53 AM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Colts safety A.J. Haulcy earns attention as potential defensive starter

Summary

Indianapolis Colts rookie safety A.J. Haulcy is drawing notice as the 2026 NFL season begins. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen recently identified Haulcy as one of the league's top five under-the-radar rookies to watch this year. The Colts drafted the former LSU defensive back with the 78th overall pick in April. Following a collegiate career that spanned stops at New Mexico, Houston, and LSU, Haulcy recorded 88 tackles and three interceptions during his final season. During the preseason, the Indianapolis coaching staff expressed confidence in his performance and football acumen, positioning him to compete for the starting strong safety role. The team plans to rely on several young defenders this season, with Haulcy expected to contribute immediately to the secondary.

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By the Numbers

•The Colts selected A.J. Haulcy in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
•Haulcy recorded 10 career interceptions during his college tenure at three different schools.
•ESPN named him one of five under-the-radar rookies to monitor this season.
•He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 while playing at LSU.
•The coaching staff considered him a candidate for the starting strong safety job during the preseason.

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