When it comes to the Indianapolis Colts offensive line, there are some big names growing in the eyes of the national media. And while right tackle Braden Smith continues to fly under the radar, could he be in line to grab his first Pro Bowl selection in 2020?
The Auburn product, who was drafted as a guard in the second round in 2018, has entrenched himself as the starting right tackle ever since he was forced to do so out of necessity in Week 5 of his rookie campaign.
He’s proven to be an emerging talent on the right side and a potential breakout player. In trying to predict a first-time Pro Bowler for each team, Marc Sessler of NFL.com highlighted Smith.
The AFC’s finest front five resides in Indy, anchored by the meanest interior mauler around in Quenton Nelson. In an attempt to bring a personal dream to fruition — sending the entire Colts line to the Pro Bowl — I’m trumpeting the name of Braden Smith, who finished 2019 as PFF’s sixth-ranked run blocker. His pass protection could use a boost, but this 6-foot-6, 315-pound front-door-shaped human out of Auburn grows more formidable by the year and should have Philip Rivers sleeping easy at night when the games begin.
Smith’s movement skills and ability to block in space has made him one of the best run-blocking right tackles in the NFL. He still needs to work on consistency as a pass protector, but he’s even making strides in that area.
It will be interesting to see how much of a jump Smith can make in his third season. He’s emerging as one of the most talented young right tackles in the game and if he continues to develop, he could find himself in the All-Star game by season’s end.