The Indianapolis Colts were elated to see offensive lineman Danny Pinter fall to them in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. One of the reasons why he was so coveted was because of his versatility.
After converting from the tight end position, Pinter played right tackle for Ball State during the final two years of his collegiate career. While he had plenty of success, he will be working more on the inside with the Colts.
In fact, Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser is preparing the rookie to work at both guard spots and a center.
“Well, I say (he) projects as an inside player. Certainly the guard spot, but also, we plan on giving him a chance to work at center and be prepared to play at center. I think anytime you’re not a starter in this NFL, the more versatility you have, the better off you’re going to be,” Strausser told Colts.com. “I know what he wants to be as a starter, but he’s not going to come into fall camp, with five returning starters in front of him, that’s not how he’s coming into training camp. He’ll work on all three of those spots — inside both guard spots and the center spot.”
What makes Pinter so intriguing, especially as a fifth-round pick, is his athleticism and ability to move in space. Pinter was one of the top athletes to come out of the draft among offensive linemen, and the Colts are expecting that to help his transition to the inside.
But having played offensive line for just two seasons, the Colts know this is a project for the coaching staff.
“But I think what we are so attracted with, in terms of Danny, is his traits, just how hard he works. He’s a grinder. He continues to get better,” said Strausser. “Like you said, he’s played offensive line for two years, but continues to improve. And everybody you’d talk to in the Ball State program, everybody goes back to that same thing: he will get it figured out and he will get it done at some point, because that’s how hard he works.
The Colts are seeing the return of their starting five offensive linemen, which will allow for the development of Pinter to take place.
But the Colts see a versatile piece in the Ball State product and one who has a future in Indy if he continues to progress.