The Indianapolis Colts attacked the depth on the defensive side of the ball on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rounding out their selections for the second day, the Colts used the No. 80 overall pick on Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley.
Though NFL draft experts and analysts are split on the value of the selection, most agree that Walley is a scrappy cornerback who brings experience, speed and excellent ball skills to Indy.
It will be interesting to see where Walley begins his career. He was used both outside and inside during his four-year starting stint at Minnesota, and the Colts seemingly hold the notion that Walley can do both at the NFL level as well.
Here's how the NFL experts graded the Colts' selection of Walley:
Colts NFL draft grades for Justin Walley
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: C
Baumgardner: "A pesky corner at just 5-10, 190, Walley (who ran a 4.40-second 40) was a four-year starter at Minnesota. He plays with great eyes and found his way to the football consistently in the Big Ten. This might be a reach, however, for a likely slot corner who only played on the outside in college."
Trapasso: "Experienced outside CB with average size and length. Feet are light but gets grabby downfield and doesn't have big-time explosive traits although there were many impressive recoveries on film. Tackling is a liability and his awareness as the ball is arriving could improve. This feels early yet addresses a need in Indianapolis' secondary."
Acosta: "I got to Walley late in the process, but he graded out as a near top 100 player. I wonder why the Colts go with a slot defender here with Kenny Moore II still under contract, but Walley’s competitive nature and ball skills in man coverage translate both inside and outside."
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: C-
Verderame: "The Colts are remaking their secondary this offseason, having added corner Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum in free agency. Now they add Walley, who was projected by many to be a Day 3 pick. At 190 pounds, he is a bit undersized at corner, but showed durability by playing 49 games with Minnesota and totaling seven interceptions. With Indianapolis, he should compete immediately to play significant snaps."
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