The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to return from summer break on July 28 for training camp at their facility on West 56th Street, barring any changes caused by COVID-19.
While we have been looking at previews of individual players ahead of training camp, we will be taking a look at the offensive line as a whole entering the 2020 season.
Starters
Anthony Castonzo
Quenton Nelson
Ryan Kelly
Mark Glowinski
Braden Smith
Depth
Le’Raven Clark
Jake Eldrenkamp
Javon Patterson
Danny Pinter
Background
The Colts are seeing the return of their entire starting offensive line from the 2019 season. Each player at their respective spot started all 16 games with the entire unit playing over 1,000 snaps on the season. That’s not all that common in the NFL.
The unit has taken shape as one of the best offensive lines in the league both from a pass-protection and run-blocking perspective. With the starting unit returning, expectations are that this unit will continue to be elite.
Player to Watch
The player to watch for the Colts will be the right tackle in Smith. Having converted from guard his rookie season, Smith has taken over the position to be one of the best up and coming players on the right edge.
Year 3 will be a big one for the Auburn product. This is the season he can truly take a step forward and gain more recognition as a top starter in the league. His pass protection continues to evolve while his work in the run game has been stellar from the start.
Is Depth a Concern?
While the Colts are enjoying the fact that their starting group is returning, they can’t expect the unit to be healthy again for all 16 games. That would be nice, but it would be naive to believe it will happen exactly the same way again.
The Colts used a fifth-round pick in the draft on the versatile and athletic Pinter, who will be working at all three spots on the interior. But the depth is somewhat of a concern.
The backup left tackle in Clark certainly knows the system, which goes a long way. But he hasn’t shown any semblance of being a productive player if relied upon. There are also major unknowns with Eldrenkamp and Patterson, both of which will be serving in backup roles on the interior.
2020 Outlook
The offensive line is the engine of the offense. The Colts cannot have success as a unit if this group doesn’t perform. Fortunately, the combination of continuity and talent should prevent anyone in the unit to take a step back.
The Colts will be relying heavily on the offensive line given their desire to run the football but also because Philip Rivers isn’t one to use his legs. They will have their work cut out for them when it comes to keep the pressure consistently off of their new 38-year-old quarterback.
Regardless, the Colts enter the 2020 season with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The unit will continue to show they belong in the elite category as long as everyone stays healthy.