COLTS SQUAD SHOW: Indy Draft SUPERLATIVES | Most Intriguing, Biggest Steal and More From '26 Class!

Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts1h 3mMay 1, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Locked On Colts' Colt Squad Show dives into the 2026 NFL Draft with a fun, analytical look at the Indianapolis Colts' draft class, handing out playful 'superlatives' to highlight standout picks and stories. Hosts Derek Schultz, Jake Arthur, Zach Hicks, and former NFLer Alan Pinkett debate the biggest steal, most intriguing player, and best story from the draft, with strong consensus on C.J. Allen as the top value pick at No. 53 overall, praised for his elite leadership, athleticism, and production at Georgia despite a knee injury. AJ Halsey is lauded for his ball-hawking instincts and potential impact, while Deion Burks is celebrated as a seventh-round gem with elite speed and route-running ability. The discussion shifts to the revamped Colts defense, now younger and faster with the additions of Allen and Halsey, though questions remain about health, experience, and the development of key players like Sauce Gardner and Latu. The panel also critiques the Steelers' UFA tender for Aaron Rodgers, calling it a self-inflicted delay, and praises the Texans' defensive extension of Aziz Alshire, highlighting their defensive identity under coach D'Amico Ryans. The episode blends humor, deep analysis, and fan engagement, emphasizing the Colts' offensive focus and the gamble on youth and speed across the defense.

Key Takeaways
1

C.J. Allen is the biggest steal of the 2026 draft, a 19-year-old SEC defensive leader taken at No. 53 who projects as an instant starter and defensive rookie of the year candidate.

2

The Colts' defense is undergoing a major youth and speed overhaul, betting on rookies like Allen and Halsey to replace veterans, with success hinging on health and development.

3

Deion Burks, a seventh-round pick with 4.3-second 40-yard speed and elite contested catch ability, is the most intriguing player due to his high upside and low draft capital.

4

The Steelers' UFA tender for Aaron Rodgers is seen as a strategic but frustrating move that stalls offseason planning and reflects the team’s lack of urgency.

5

The Texans’ defensive identity is strong, with key extensions like Aziz Alshire and impactful draft picks (Kamari Ramsey, Caden McDonald) reinforcing their elite unit.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Welcome to the Colt Squad Show & Draft Superlatives Intro

The hosts kick off the show with introductions, a brief plug for the Everydayer Club, and set the stage for the draft superlatives segment. They establish the fun, analytical tone, teasing the upcoming awards like 'Biggest Steal' and 'Most Intriguing'.

10:00
10 min

Biggest Steal: C.J. Allen at No. 53

To get him at 53, I think is an absolute steal. I never possibly dreamed he'd be there.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Most Intriguing & Most Reliable: Deion Burks & Bryce Boettcher

He's super athletic, very high contested catch rate, very low drop rate. He just didn't really get targeted too much was the big thing.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Best Story: Seth McGowan & George Gumbs Jr.

How many in the history of the draft, how many seventh rounders have had the owner of the team get on the phone and give them a pep talk? It just doesn't happen.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Defensive Overhaul: Youth, Speed, and Risk

The hosts analyze the Colts' defensive transformation, replacing veterans like Zaire Franklin and Nick Cross with younger players like Allen and Halsey. They debate whether the new defense has higher upside due to speed and athleticism, despite losing experience and facing health concerns.

High-Impact Quotes
How many in the history of the draft, how many seventh rounders have had the owner of the team get on the phone and give them a pep talk? It just doesn't happen.
Alan Pinkett29:52
Viral: 92.0
I don't care how tall he is. If he can get open and catch the ball and has 4'3 speed and they get him in the seventh round, to me that represents the biggest deal.
Alan Pinkett12:39
Viral: 88.0
It's not only he's hurting the entire team, you know? So make a damn decision.
Alan Pinkett54:46
Viral: 86.0
Speakers

Hosts

Derek SchultzJake ArthurZach HicksAlan Pinkett
Topics Discussed
2026 NFL Draft Analysis95%Colts Defense Overhaul90%Player Value & Draft Picks85%Team Building & Roster Strategy80%Player Development & Upside75%NFL Offseason Moves70%Team Culture & Leadership65%Health & Injury Risk60%
People & Brands

Alan Pinkett

person

25xPositive

Jake Arthur

person

20xPositive

C.J. Allen

person

18xPositive

Zach Hicks

person

18xPositive

AJ Halsey

person

15xPositive

Derek Schultz

person

15xPositive

Aaron Rodgers

person

12xNegative

Deion Burks

person

12xPositive

Sauce Gardner

person

10xPositive

Steelers

other

10xNegative

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