COLTS SQUAD SHOW: Biggest IMPACT Rookie | Which New Colt Will Be a Difference Maker in 2026?
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The Locked On Colts Squad Show dives deep into the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on which rookie will make the biggest impact for the Indianapolis Colts. Host Derek Schultz is joined by analysts Jake Arthur, Zach Hicks, and former NFLer Alan Pinkett to debate the top prospects. CJ Allen, the Colts' second-round linebacker pick, emerges as the consensus favorite for the biggest impact due to his stability, intelligence, and immediate starter potential in Lou Anarumo’s defense. AJ Halsey, the third-round safety, is praised for his playmaking instincts and confidence, though his risk-taking style raises concerns about consistency and injury risk. The panel also discusses worst-case scenarios, emphasizing the danger of injuries derailing the entire class, particularly for key players like Allen and Jalen Farmer, whose depth at offensive line could be crucial. The show then shifts to the 'one that got away' segment, where analysts express regret over missing out on players like Skylar Bell, Kyle Lewis, and Malachi Fields, highlighting positional needs and draft value. Finally, the team reviews national draft grades, noting widespread positive reception—especially for Allen and Halsey—despite some criticism over the lack of a first-round pick and the Sauce Gardner trade. The episode concludes with a nuanced take on the consensus draft board, affirming that while process matters, results will ultimately define the class’s success.
CJ Allen is the top rookie candidate for biggest impact due to his reliability, intelligence, and immediate role as a starting linebacker.
AJ Halsey offers high-upside playmaking ability but carries higher risk due to aggressive tackling and potential for inconsistency.
Injury is the biggest threat to the draft class, especially for key players like Allen and Farmer, whose depth is critical for the offensive line.
The Colts’ draft class received strong national grades (mostly Bs) due to excellent value picks and strategic fits, despite missing out on top-tier players.
The consensus draft board is a useful tool for evaluating draft process, but results—especially over multiple seasons—will determine long-term success.
Welcome to the Colt Squad Show: Draft Season Recap & Rookie Impact
The episode opens with host Derek Schultz welcoming listeners to the weekly show, introducing the panel, and setting the stage for a deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft. The hosts discuss the end of draft season and the beginning of 'mustache growing season' with playful banter. They preview the show’s focus: identifying the rookie with the biggest impact in 2026.
CJ Allen: The Steady Force at Mike Linebacker
“He's going to be a very stable force at that linebacker spot. I think his impact is going to be huge, even if it's not like, you know, a Shaquille Leonard rookie season.”
AJ Halsey: The Playmaker with Risk and Reward
“He is very boomer bust and everything he does where he kind of has a little bit that Shaquille Leonard aspect to him where it's like, Hey, I'm the low hole player here, but I think they're running this certain concept. Let me show that I'm actually staying in my low hole, but I'm going to abandon my assignment to jump this route that I think they're throwing to.”
Worst Case Scenarios: Injuries and Depth Concerns
“If you lose that potential quality depth there, they haven't quite done enough otherwise outside of him right now because you don't have a true backup center yet and you don't have a true swing tackle yet.”
The One That Got Away: Missed Opportunities
“I would have taken Skylar Bell for sure. He was probably the best player on the board for me in round four.”
“He is very boomer bust and everything he does where he kind of has a little bit that Shaquille Leonard aspect to him where it's like, Hey, I'm the low hole player here, but I think they're running this certain concept. Let me show that I'm actually staying in my low hole, but I'm going to abandon my assignment to jump this route that I think they're throwing to.”
“He's going to be a very stable force at that linebacker spot. I think his impact is going to be huge, even if it's not like, you know, a Shaquille Leonard rookie season.”
“If you lose that potential quality depth there, they haven't quite done enough otherwise outside of him right now because you don't have a true backup center yet and you don't have a true swing tackle yet.”
Host
Guests
Indianapolis Colts
other
CJ Allen
person
AJ Halsey
person
Locked On Colts
media
Zaire Franklin
person
Chris Ballard
person
Jalen Farmer
person
Bryce Boettcher
person
Skylar Bell
person
Kyle Lewis
person
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