Colts Rookie Spotlight: Hunter Wohler’s Quiet Start Could Be the Beginning of Something Bigger
When the Indianapolis Colts used their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler, it wasn’t just a throwaway selection to close out the weekend. This was a calculated move-one that signaled real belief in a player they didn’t want to risk losing to the undrafted free agent pool. And while his rookie campaign didn’t unfold the way anyone hoped, the flashes we saw-and the ones we didn’t get to-still matter.
A Hybrid with a Purpose
Wohler came into Indy as a bit of a tweener on paper, but that’s exactly what made him intriguing. The Colts listed him as a linebacker on his draft card, a subtle but telling hint at how they envisioned using the 6’2”, 213-pound defender. He was always going to be more of a box safety-a hybrid role that’s becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NFL, where defenses are constantly adjusting to counter versatile offensive weapons.
For a Day 3 pick, expectations are usually tempered. Most late-rounders are developmental players, stashed away to see if something clicks over time.
But Wohler wasn’t just another name on the depth chart. His physical profile and college tape suggested he could carve out a real role, especially on special teams.
And in training camp, he started to do just that-and more.
Camp Standout, Untimely Setback
From the jump, Wohler made noise in camp. Not just with his pads-though he was one of the most physical defenders on the field-but with his instincts and versatility. He got plenty of reps in the box, where he looked right at home, but also showed he could drop back and hold his own in deeper coverage.
The real buzz came during a joint practice with the Ravens, when Wohler picked off Lamar Jackson not once, but twice. That’s not an easy feat against a former MVP, even in a practice setting. It was the kind of performance that turns heads in the building and earns you a longer look from coaches.
But just as the momentum was building, it all came to a halt. A Lisfranc injury during a preseason matchup against the Packers ended his rookie season before it ever truly began. It was a tough break for a player who had positioned himself to contribute early, whether on special teams or even in select defensive packages.
What’s Next for Wohler?
Now, the attention shifts to 2026. And while the Colts aren’t handing out starting jobs in January, there’s a clear path for Wohler to compete for a bigger role-especially if veteran safety Nick Cross departs in free agency.
As it stands, Wohler is the next man up at strong safety. That could change with a new draft class or a free agent signing, but the coaching staff knows what they saw last summer, and that matters.
Wohler, for his part, isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I feel like I put myself in a decent spot for next year, but it’s not about what you did yesterday or in camp,” he said. “I haven’t proven anything on the field yet.”
That kind of mindset-humble but hungry-is exactly what you want to hear from a young player trying to work his way back. He knows the job isn’t his, and he’s ready to earn it all over again.
“Come OTAs, come camp, I’ll have to reprove myself and put myself in a spot to hopefully be on the field. I think the minute you stop playing with a chip is the minute you kind of fall behind.”
That chip on the shoulder? It’s not going anywhere.
If anything, the time away has only sharpened his edge. Wohler talked about the clarity that comes during injury rehab-the self-reflection, the hunger, the realization of how quickly it can all be taken away.
That kind of perspective often fuels breakout stories.
A Name to Watch in 2026
It’s easy to forget about late-round picks, especially when they miss their rookie season. But the Colts haven’t forgotten about Hunter Wohler-and neither should we.
His camp performance wasn’t a fluke. It was a preview.
Whether or not he’s starting in Week 1 is still up in the air. But one thing is clear: Wohler is coming into 2026 with something to prove. And if he picks up where he left off last summer, the Colts might have found a late-round gem who’s ready to make a real impact.