The Indianapolis Colts have worked hard over the last few years to make sure the offensive line becomes an elite unit and in the eyes of Pro Football Focus, they are the cream of the crop.
In ranking every offensive line entering the 2020 season, the Colts have taken over the top spot over at Pro Football Focus, moving up from the No. 3 spot in 2019.
Last year’s No. 3 offensive line remains intact for 2020 and is primed to repeat as one of the league’s best. The only question mark coming into the offseason was left tackle Anthony Castonzo, but he re-signed for two years to solidify the Colts’ continued success up front. Castonzo is one of the more underrated players in the league, grading between 76.9 and 84.2 in each season since 2012. Castonzo’s 81.3 overall grade last season tied for seventh in the league, as he ranked in the top 16 as both a pass blocker and a run blocker. At right tackle, Braden Smith has made a rare transition from college guard to NFL tackle, and he’s been fantastic in his first two years in the league. He finished No. 9 overall among tackles last season, including the No. 4 mark as a run blocker.
At left guard, Quenton Nelson is among the best guards in the league and is already making his mark as one of the top overall players in the NFL after two outstanding seasons to start his career. Nelson had the No. 2 run-blocking grade and the No. 7 pass-blocking grade in 2019, as his combination of power, quickness and technique have him on a Hall-of-Fame path despite entering just his third NFL season. On the other side, right guard Mark Glowinski has come on strong over the past two years, but he’s a far better run blocker than pass blocker. He gave up 42 pressures during the regular season in 2019, the fourth-most in the league. Center Ryan Kelly ranked eighth at the position last season with a 73.0 overall grade, giving the Colts four out of five starters ranking in the top 10 at their respective positions. With all five starters returning, Indianapolis will be in the running to rank as the league’s best offensive line.
The Colts proved in 2018 and 2019 that their success is no fluke. With Frank Reich and Chris Strausser leading the way, the Colts have arguably the best offensive line in football.
Whether it comes in their run blocking or pass protection, the group led by Quenton Nelson is primed to have another strong season in Indy.