Colts Round 3, Pick 80: Minnesota Cornerback Justin Walley

INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts had a bit of an anti-Chris Ballard pick in third round.

With the 80^th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Colts took Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley in Round Three.

Here are 3 takeaways on Walley:

Small, But Feisty

At 5-10, Justin Walley does not check the usual stern height requirement Chris Ballard typically has had at cornerback. But those around the NFL laud Walley’s smarts and twitchiness. At Minnesota, Walley mainly played as an outside cornerback starting for 4 seasons, with 34 passes defensed and 7 interceptions. Even Walley admitted on his draft call he was a tad surprised to hear his name go in the middle of Round 3. When asked for an area of improvement, Walley mentioned his tackling. On paper, the Colts don’t have much clear cornerback playing time in 2025. But depth has been an issue there a lot in recent years, so Walley could factor in there.

Future Slot Cornerback?

Some thought with selecting Walley has to be one eye on the future after Kenny Moore II. Granted Moore II, 29, is still under contract through 2026. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is known for using more defensive back packages, so that’s something that could factor in with Walley. We aren’t used to Chris Ballard exiting the first two days of a draft without a trade (back). But that’s how he went about things in 2025. As the Colts head into the final day of the ’25 draft, needs are still there along the offensive line and at linebacker.

Need Meets Round One Value

Unlike last year, cornerback was not an absolutely pressing need entering this draft. Yet, the Colts gave it third-round attention with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Colts held back from corner in last year’s draft and it proved costly. The group got some notable (draft and free agent) attention in 2025, even though the top of the depth chart looks pretty set with Charvarius Ward as the big off-season signing.