Colts' scout evaluates DE Caden Curry pick in 2026 NFL draft

In an effort to add more competition to the defensive end unit, the Indianapolis Colts selected Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft.

>Playing behind other future draft picks while at Ohio State, Curry had to wait for his opportunity defensively. That came in 2025, and he took advantage, with Curry seeing a big jump in production as he posted 46 pressures and 12 sacks, according to PFF.

>Among defensive ends, he ranked 40th in pass rush win rate and was also one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at this position group.

>"Just looking at his history early on, he produced on special teams there, something he took pride in," said Colts' scout Tyler Hughes. "Should project well to our level as well. And I mean there was guys in front of him. You're talking about whether it's second-round picks, third-round picks, there's always guys in front of him, but whenever he had an opportunity, he made a play.

>"And then finally this year, he had the starting opportunity. 11 sacks this year. I think over 40 pressures. I mean, it doesn't always look great, but this kid is going to give you everything he's got and he's going to be productive and he's going to bring pressure to the quarterback."

>Along with Curry, the Colts also drafted George Gumbs Jr., and made two additions in free agency at defensive end, signing Micheal Clemons and Arden Key. This group joins Laiatu Latu and JT Tuimoloau.

>Most defensive end rotations run four deep, although some use five pass rushers, so finding consistent playing time early on for Curry may not come easily. That said, I expect the Colts to fully embrace competition at this position as they search for more pass rush consistency, so there are snaps to be had.

>"He's coached by one of the best defensive line coaches in college football, Coach Johnson, and the instincts and just his feel for the game," Hughes added. "He knows how to set up tackles who are longer than him. He understands angles and all that and just how to rush. I mean, and just his motor. It's hard to block a guy 50 snaps and plays as hard as hell."

>Curry's primary role could end up coming on special teams, where he brings ample experience to the Colts, having played 608 snaps over his four seasons at Ohio State.

>This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: What Colts' scout had to say about DE Caden Curry