The Colts added to their secondary in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley with the No. 80 overall pick on Friday.
The 5-foot-10, 190 pound Walley appeared in 49 games (42 starts) over the last four seasons at Minnesota, totaling seven interceptions, 27 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and 155 tackles.
Walley was named a Freshman All-American in 2021. He also was named an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten player in 2023 and Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2024. He had a 32-yard pick-six against Maryland in 2024 and set a career high with 12 passes defensed.
Opposing quarterbacks had a 54.0 passer rating when targeting Walley in coverage in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
The 22-year-old Walley ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine earlier this year. He played outside cornerback during his time at Minnesota.
Walley is a native of D'Iberville, Miss. and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors twice during his time in college.
With the Colts, Walley will join a cornerback room that added veteran Charvarius Ward in free agency and returns Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents and Sam Womack III, among others. The Colts also signed veteran Corey Ballentine in free agency.
The 5-foot-10, 190 pound Walley appeared in 49 games (42 starts) over the last four seasons at Minnesota, totaling seven interceptions, 27 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and 155 tackles.
Bowling Green wide receiver Odieu Hiliare (1), left, is tackled by Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley (5) during the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
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Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley (5) celebrates his interception with defensive back Tre'Von Jones (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Minnesota won 12-10. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
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Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley, left, runs with the football after intercepting a pass intended for North Carolina tight end Bryson Nesbit, back, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley (5) runs down the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
