Vicky Graff Photo
Jalen Farmer never got the credit he deserved at Kentucky.
He was part of the UK offensive line in 2024 and 2025 that was often criticized by fans and media. Yet he started every game at right guard both seasons and in 2025 he had only two missed assignments, two penalties, two quarterback sacks and two quarterback pressures in 831 snaps.
The Indianapolis Colts used the 113th overall pick in the recent NFL Draft to pick him in the fourth round and ESPN personality Jeremy Fowler makes it sound like he was the steal of the draft.
“Fourth-round Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer will likely play early and often,” Fowler wrote on the ESPN website. “That has become the Colts’ way — draft mid-round linemen and throw them into the lineup. The team has selected five linemen in the third or fourth round since 2022: Jalen Travis, Matt Goncalves, Tanor Bortolini, Blake Freeland, and Bernhard Raimann. Those five have started a combined 114 games.”
Only Goncalves in the third round in 2024 was picked before the fourth round. Freeland, Goncalves, Bortolini, and Travis combined to average 483.5 offensive snaps as rookies along with 52 snaps on special teams for offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr.
Right guard Goncalves and Quenton Nelson both return this year for the Colts. Nelson is on the final season of his four-year, $80-million contract and is a six-time All-Pro selection.
Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard talked about Farmer’s talent on draft night.
“I mean, look, you can’t – competition makes everybody better. It just does, all right. So, he will definitely be talented enough. How fast he gets it and if he earns it, then he’ll play,” Ballard said then when asked about Farmer playing early.
“We think very highly of Farmer. He’s a big, powerful man, and he’s going to be a really good addition to our o-line, not only from a talent standpoint, but also from a cultural standpoint. He fits what we look for, and we also think he’s got some swing at tackle. It’ll be nice to add him in the mix and watch him compete.”
