As the Indianapolis Colts move closer to training camp, one of the most interesting battles to track sits in the secondary, where the starting safety spot next to Cam Bynum is still very much open.
The name to know there is AJ Haulcy.
Haulcy looks like the front-runner after offseason work, and he’s already drawn attention from both Lou Anarumo and Bynum. That matters because this isn’t just about filling a spot - it’s about what kind of flexibility the Colts can build into the defense if Haulcy holds onto the job.
What makes him stand out is a combination of ball skills and versatility. The Colts see him as a safety who can play deep or come down near the line of scrimmage, giving Anarumo more options in how he deploys him. It also opens up more possibilities for Bynum, who can be moved around more freely if Haulcy proves he can handle the role.
That blend gives Haulcy a real chance to change the shape of this defense. Big turnover production can swing games, and a safety who can line up in multiple spots gives the coaching staff more ways to attack opponents. In that sense, Haulcy has the look of a player who could raise the ceiling of the unit.
Still, he’s a rookie, and that comes with the usual adjustment period. Even if he’s the favorite right now, training camp will be about proving he can keep stacking good days and lock down the starting job.
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Lou Anarumo Has A Tough Colts Safety Decision Coming
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Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas are right in the middle of it, and their battle sits on top of a deeper logjam that also includes rookies and veterans trying to carve out roles. With the Colts already sorting through crowded cornerback and safety rooms, every rep matters, and the decision on how many safeties to carry could make this one of the more consequential calls on the defensive side of camp. [Read more 🡒]