The Indianapolis Colts have a strong starting five on the offensive line, but they could be targeting some depth on the interior behind their solid trio on the inside.
Starters: Quenton Nelson (left guard), Ryan Kelly (center), Mark Glowinski (right guard)
Backups: Jake Eldrenkamp (left guard), Javon Patterson (center), Chaz Green (right guard)
Level of need: Moderate
Cap investment: $14.9 million (guards—13th in NFL) | $10.9 million (center—6th in NFL)
Quick review
The Colts had all of their offensive linemen start all 16 games in 2019 while the entire unit also played over 1,000 snaps. Even though that’s wonderful, it rarely happens twice, and the Colts need to add some depth to the interior, especially at the guard spots.
It likely won’t be high on the priority list for the Colts, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Chris Ballard spend a Day 3 pick on an interior offensive lineman.
Draft preview
Best fit: Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
The Colts don’t have a major need on the interior, but Jackson is likely a prospect that is high on their radar in the middle rounds. He would excel greatly in their zone-blocking scheme but would also find work when they utilize their man blocking concepts, which is a healthy mix. Jackson moves well and has a mauler mindset and could be a solid project for the Colts.
Prospect to avoid: Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
Stenberg brings some intriguing power to the table on the interior and it could be a team takes him on Day 3, but there are a lot of questions about his technique, especially when it comes to pad level in his pass sets. With moderate athleticism, Stenberg does bring a mauler attitude but there are higher upside prospects to target.
Sleeper prospect: Shane Lemieux, Oregon
Probably not a sleeper per say at this point, but Lemieux would be a solid pick for the Colts on Day 3. He has the mauler attitude that Ballard likes in his offensive linemen and while his athleticism might come into question a bit, he understands the nuances of interior line play would be a solid depth option with the upside to be a starter for the Colts.
Other prospects: Robert Hunt, Louisiana | Damien Lewis, LSU | Matt Hennessy, Temple
Picks most likely used on an IOL: Nos. 122, 160, 193, 197
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