The Indianapolis Colts had a gap in the defense after starting safety Nick Cross left to sign with the Washington Commanders. While the team addressed the position in free agency by signing Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas, the Colts believed they needed more depth.
On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, Indy selected LSU safety AJ Haulcy with the 78th overall pick to bolster the safety room. Colts general manager Chris Ballard called Haulcy a physical defender who can force turnovers and believes he will be a good addition to the team.
Colts safety Cam Bynum spoke to the media during the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) and shared his thoughts on his new teammate.
Colts Safety Gets Honest About Newest Teammate
GettyCam Bynum signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Colts in the 2025 free agency
The Indianapolis Colts signed safety Cam Bynum to help lead the secondary room in the 2025 season. Bynum had the fourth-most tackles, tied for the most pass deflections and the most interceptions on the team in the 2025 season.
Needing a new starting teammate next to him, the Colts drafted AJ Haulcy in the third round, who will have a strong chance of being a starter in the rookie season.
Bynum was asked about Haulcy, giving positive words to the former LSU Tiger and newest Colt.
“Ballhawk,” Bynum said of Haulcy. “For sure, one of the safeties that’s going to bring that. Set the tone. [He has] 10 interceptions over the course of his career. So, I know he’s gonna get the ball. And that’s something I enjoy doing also. I think us playing together and just with this whole defense, I think he’ll fit really well and be a tone setter…”
“He reached out to me the other day and I told him that I’m excited to work with him and I know he’s excited to be here…”
Haulcy has recorded 347 total tackles, 1o interceptions and 19 pass deflections with three different programs. Pro Football Focus graded the safety as the 19th-best safety in the country, giving Haulcy an 86.6 grade.
Adding AJ Haulcy to a defense that has Bynum, alongside Pro Bowl cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner, puts the secondary among the best in the league.
AJ Haulcy on Joining the Colts
GettySafety AJ Haulcy played for New Mexico, Houston and LSU during his college career
After getting selected by the Indianapolis Colts on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, AJ Haulcy spoke to the media and was asked to describe his game. Here’s what the safety said:
“I’m instinctive… I’m a very instinctive player. I use my instinct and film study to lead my game. I’m very physical and aggressive… When teams come to my side… It’s like I want to make you pay every single time.”
AJ Haulcy has the strong and fast qualities GM Chris Ballard wanted for the defense this offseason.
With a healthy defense set for the 2026 season, the Colts are in a strong spot to perform well. Just a matter of injuries not catching up to the team.
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