Rolling with the Rookie: AJ Haulcy, SAF, Colts

With OTAs now underway, the start of the season is just around the corner. With that, there will be a ton of training camp battles to be played out. It’s time to examine which IDP rookies could make an immediate impact and which teams are going to jump-start the clock and roll with rookies. Earlier this week, I talked about the Indianapolis Colts starting the clock early for linebacker CJ Allen, but they will also do the same at safety, with AJ Haulcy.

Rewind to the Past

The Indianapolis Colts drafted AJ Haulcy in the 3rd round with the 78th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft. Haulcy played for three different teams (New Mexico, Houston, & LSU) and was an impact player at each stop. He spent one year at New Mexico playing 12 games, with 87 total tackles (7.25 per game), 38 solo stops, three TFLs, two interceptions, three PBUs, and two forced fumbles. Haulcy would spend the next two years with Houston, where he played in 24 games, totaling 172 tackles (7.16 per game), 116 solo stops, 1 TFL, 5 interceptions, and 17 PBUs. He would rank in the Top 10 in the Big 12 in tackles (98 in 2023) and led the Big 12 in interceptions (5 in 2024).

Haulcy would spend his final college season at LSU, where he played 12 games, with totals of 88 tackles, 49 solo stops, ½ TFL, three interceptions, seven PBUs, and one forced fumble. He would finish that season ranked in the Top 10 of the SEC in tackles, solos, and interceptions. His career totals add up to 48 games played, 347 tackles (7.22 per game), 203 solo stops, 4½ TFLs, 10 interceptions, 29 PBUs, and four forced fumbles. Haulcy also made the All-Conference teams at each stop, proving to be a top player wherever he played.

Forward to the Future

Just like with CJ Allen, the future for Haulcy with the Colts starts now and not later. With Nick Cross now playing for the Washington Commanders, the Colts had another huge void to fill at the safety spot. The Colts' defense has shown it can support multiple players with 100+ tackles, and both Allen & Haulcy give them not one but two impact young playmakers at a cheap cost. Haulcy is already slotted as the starting strong safety for the Colts by Ourlads, the position that saw Cross start 34 games and record 266 tackles (7.82 per game) the past two seasons. Haulcy should be able to be close to those numbers while being a much better pass defender than Cross.

Fantasy Breakdown

What does this mean for us who play in the IDP world? As a starter, Haulcy is set to have a big year as a rookie, in my opinion. Talent-wise, there is really no one on the roster that should challenge him for the starting spot, and the Colts didn’t bring in a top free agent to fill the position. Again, I have to mention that we saw Cross put up big numbers in this spot, and that’s great news for those of us investing in Haulcy. Haulcy is currently the fourth safety of the board in rookie drafts at an average of pick 44.7, which is early 4th round draft capital. The situation he landed in and that draft spot makes him a steal in rookie drafts.

If he gets that starting role, and I believe he will, I can see him easily being a SAF3 option as a rookie. His dynasty value is through the roof in my opinion, and you should be doing whatever it takes to add Haulcy to your IDP portfolios. While your leaguemates are chasing after Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, capitalize on the value you can get from Haulcy. While I love those three, especially Downs, it just makes sense to get maybe the best value at the position. The Colts made it a priority to get some young and talented defenders who will pay huge dividends early, and Haulcy is definitely one of those playmakers.

All stats provided by Pro Football Reference

Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy