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Walley Headed to Indianapolis, Colts Take Defensive Back in Third Round
4/25/2025 9:14:00 PM | Football
Walley is the 11th Gopher defensive back to be drafted since 2014
MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley is headed to Indianapolis. The former Gopher standout was selected by the Colts in the third round with the 80th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Walley is the 11th Gopher defensive back to be drafted since 2014, joining Tyler Nubin (2024), Jordan Howden (2023), Terell Smith (2023), Benjamin St-Juste (2021), Antoine Winfield Jr. (2020), Chris Williamson (2020), Jalen Myrick (2017), Eric Murray (2016), Cedric Thompson (2015) and Brock Vereen (2014).
Walley played in 49 games for Minnesota and made 155 tackles (113 solo), while also totaling four tackles for loss and one sack. He ended his career with three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups (fifth most in school history).
Walley scored two touchdowns for the Maroon and Gold. In 2021, he scooped up a fumble at Northwestern and returned it 25 yards for a score. In 2024, he returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown.
As a senior, he started all 10 games he played in and made 42 tackles. He also added two tackles for loss and had one sack. Walley also broke up 10 passes and had two interceptions. In addition to his pick-six against Maryland, he also returned an interception 70 yards against North Carolina.
Walley is the eighth Gopher taken by the Colts all-time and is the first since Dave Simonson in 1974.
Former Minnesota offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery was drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans with the 48th pick. With Walley going at No. 80 overall, this is the first time since 2021 that the Gophers had two top-80 picks (Rashod Bateman 27th, Benjamin St-Juste 74th). Before that, it hadn't happened since 1978 (Mark Merrill 31st, Mike Hunt 34th and Steve Stewart 43rd).
Walley, who competed in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, was named All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches in 2024. He was also recognized as an Honorable Mention selection in 2023 and was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Walley is the 11th Gopher defensive back to be drafted since 2014, joining Tyler Nubin (2024), Jordan Howden (2023), Terell Smith (2023), Benjamin St-Juste (2021), Antoine Winfield Jr. (2020), Chris Williamson (2020), Jalen Myrick (2017), Eric Murray (2016), Cedric Thompson (2015) and Brock Vereen (2014).
Walley played in 49 games for Minnesota and made 155 tackles (113 solo), while also totaling four tackles for loss and one sack. He ended his career with three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups (fifth most in school history).
Walley scored two touchdowns for the Maroon and Gold. In 2021, he scooped up a fumble at Northwestern and returned it 25 yards for a score. In 2024, he returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown.
As a senior, he started all 10 games he played in and made 42 tackles. He also added two tackles for loss and had one sack. Walley also broke up 10 passes and had two interceptions. In addition to his pick-six against Maryland, he also returned an interception 70 yards against North Carolina.
Walley is the eighth Gopher taken by the Colts all-time and is the first since Dave Simonson in 1974.
Former Minnesota offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery was drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans with the 48th pick. With Walley going at No. 80 overall, this is the first time since 2021 that the Gophers had two top-80 picks (Rashod Bateman 27th, Benjamin St-Juste 74th). Before that, it hadn't happened since 1978 (Mark Merrill 31st, Mike Hunt 34th and Steve Stewart 43rd).
Walley, who competed in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, was named All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches in 2024. He was also recognized as an Honorable Mention selection in 2023 and was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
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