The Indianapolis Colts might have one of the best offensive lines in the entire NFL, but that doesn’t mean the unit shouldn’t be included in the additions made to the roster this offseason.
While the question still remains regarding Anthony Castonzo’s decision, the Colts have a steady group of starters along the offensive line. They have an All-Pro in Quenton Nelson, one of the best centers in Ryan Kelly and an emerging right tackle in Braden Smith.
Assuming Castonzo returns to the mix, the Colts will really only need to address the right guard position amongst the starters. But even then, there is a chance that Mark Glowinski remains the starter in hopes he can return to form.
As the group of starters is one of the best in the NFL, the Colts have a major issue with their depth in the room. Indy has four offensive linemen listed as unrestricted free agents for free agency, which begins March 16 with the legal tampering period.
Those four offensive linemen are the aforementioned Castonzo, tackle Le’Raven Clark, center/guard Josh Andrews and the utility man in Joe Haeg.
Castonzo is an obvious must re-sign if he decides to keep playing. The rest of the group isn’t as cut and dry.
Clark has been with the Colts since before Chris Ballard took over as general manager. He was a third-round pick in 2016 and while there was some intrigue given his length, he hasn’t shown an inkling of being a reliable starter on the offensive line.
He has been the backup left tackle since entering the league and while the Colts currently don’t have a plan for life after Castonzo, it is highly doubtful that Clark will be in those plans.
Haeg and Andrews are a little bit different. Haeg is versatile and can play at all five positions on the offensive line. He should be re-signed this offseason while Andrews served as the backup center and has the ability to slide over to one of the guard spots.
Though the starting unit for the Colts up front is as solid as it gets in the NFL, they have a major problem with depth. It is one they will need to address either in free agency or investing with one of their nine picks in the NFL draft.
Ballard always preaches the Colts need to win upfront. They’ve done that in the past two seasons, but the group needs better depth reinforcements immediately.
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