When you think of the 2026 Indianapolis Colts, running back Jonathan Taylor is probably one of the first players that comes to mind. Another player that could come to mind is cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Although the All-Pro only played four games with the Colts last season after being traded from the New York Jets halfway through the year, he is one of the most talented players on Indianapolis’ roster.
Gardner is probably a big reason why ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked the Colts cornerback room as a top 10 unit, coming in at No. 8 overall. There are only four teams in the AFC that are ahead of Indianapolis in the cornerback rankings, including their AFC South rival, the Houston Texans, who came in first.
Last season, the Colts gave up the second-most passing yards out of any team in the league, although they were top-10 in interceptions, as the cornerback room navigated injuries.
But when healthy, this could be one of the best starting units in football.
On the opposite side of Gardner is Charvarius Ward, who is going into his second season with Indianapolis. However, he only played seven games with the Colts last year due to injuries, although he was still quite impactful when on the field, allowing a completion rate of just 56% when targeted.
Ward's best season was back in 2024 when he was a Pro-Bowler and second-team All-Pro. That season, he recorded five interceptions and defended 23 total passes.
Overall, Indianapolis should live up to its top-10 ranking at cornerback as long as Gardner and Ward stay healthy.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' cornerback unit receives top 10 ranking entering 2026 season
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