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Best jersey numbers for Colts third-round pick Justin Walley includes one of the best options possible for a defensive back

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated May 7, 2025 1:22 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts added eight players in the 2025 NFL Draft. To many, the Colts' most shocking selection in the 2025 NFL Draft was their decision to draft Minnesota CB Justin Walley in the third round.

While some may think the Colts reached on Walley, the draft room was pumped to land the Minnesota defensive captain, and they are highly anticipating him taking the field as a Colt for the first time. Before he does, though, he has to make the very important decision of what number he will wear. His college number 5 is owned by QB Anthony Richardson, but there are some great options still available.

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Best options for Walley:

15

Noah Gebert

21

Noah Gebert

27

Noah Gebert

Number he should choose: 21 or 15

While I also like 27 as an option, I think the top two are very clearly 21 and 15. 21 has always been my personal favorite number to see a Colts DB wear, Bob Sanders and Vontae Davis obviously come to mind. But if Walley wants to keep part of his college number (5), then picking 15 seems like an easy transition. If making his own legacy with a number is important to Walley, that also points to 15. As mentioned above, the Colts have not just had great players wear 21, but great defensive backs have already worn 21. 15 hasn't had that same level of success with some recent players to wear it, including Joe Flacco, Keke Coutee, Parris Campbell, and multiple other lackluster WRs. So if Walley becomes the player the Colts think he can be, he could easily become the greatest player in the franchise's history to wear 15.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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