Tag: Blake Freeland

Colts second-year offensive lineman Blake Freeland is looking to build upon an already strong offseason by winning the competition for the swing tackle role during training camp.

“We thought Freeland had a really good offseason–think he’ll take another step,” said GM Chris Ballard before training camp began.

When Ballard was asked what training camp battles he’ll be watching closely this summer, he mentioned six of them, including the competition at swing tackle. Ballard mentioned Freeland and rookie Matt Goncalves as the two primary competitors for that role, but we could see Jake Witt in the mix as well.

Freeland was a fourth-round pick by the Colts in 2023 and saw quite a bit of playing time at right tackle with Braden Smith dealing with injuries. “He got put in the fire,” as Ballard said earlier this offseason.

Like many fourth-round rookies, Freeland took his lumps. He finished the season appearing in 14 games and playing 701 snaps. During that span he allowed four sacks and 45 pressures, ranking 80th out of 86 eligible tackles in pass-blocking efficiency and 77th in PFF’s run-blocking grade.

A big point of emphasis for Freeland this offseason was on getting bigger and stronger, which head coach Shane Steichen has taken notice of.

“It’s a big part of it,” said Steichen about Freeland getting bigger. “A guy that’s gaining weight, getting stronger and bigger, and getting quicker and faster. I mean, you see those guys that come in the league and they develop year after year and their bodies change. And I’ve seen that jump a little bit from him already.”

We often hear about players making a big jump in their second NFL season. A key component to that is having a full offseason to hone in on their craft rather than going through the pre-draft process.

Another important element is the continuity and familiarity that player has with being in the same system for a full year. Freeland already has a massive leg up compared to where he was this time last year, simply because he’s familiar with his role, the language, and techniques required to play in Steichen’s offense.

“He’s doing a great job,” said Steichen. “Obviously, the communication piece is huge. That’s one of our goals for training camp–make sure our communication, we’re on that part of it. And the communication part’s been great with him and the rest of the guys, but he’s being really firm in there. Creating a nice pocket on the edge for the quarterback.”

This positional battle between Freeland and Goncalves may not be for a starting role, but it’s a pivotal one, as the two compete for the backup spot at one of the game’s most important positions.

Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.

Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.

I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is offensive tackle Blake Freeland. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.

2023 Season Review

Freeland was a fourth-round pick by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, and saw his fair share of playing time as a rookie. With Braden Smith missing time last season, Freeland saw most of his snaps come at right tackle.

As is the case for many rookies, Freeland had his ups and downs. He finished the season allowing four sacks and 45 pressures. Freeland would rank 80th out of 86 tackles in pass-blocking efficiency and 77th in PFF’s run-blocking grade.

“It’s a little like Raimann last year – he got put in the fire,” GM Chris Ballard said via the team site. “He’s got to get stronger; he knows it. But let me tell you what he didn’t do – and there were a couple games he had tough duty. I don’t care who the tackle is when you are lining up against Myles Garrett – that’s not easy (and) it doesn’t matter.

“There never was the look of doubt or despair in his eye and that’s an encouraging thing. He will get better, and he will continue to grow. It will be fun to watch him this offseason.”

2024 Season Preview

With the Colts returning all five starters along the offensive line, if healthy, the 2024 season should be a valuable developmental year for Freeland.

The Colts did, however, bring in some added competition at the tackle spot behind Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, drafting Matt Goncalves, who will presumably be competing with Freeland for that first tackle option off the bench.

Freeland’s development this season will potentially be an important factor in determining to what degree the Colts address the offensive line next offseason.

If they feel comfortable with Freeland as a backup option–with Smith under contract through the 2025 season–that could allow the Colts to move Goncalves to right guard with Will Fries a free agent. But if there are still unknowns, we could see the Colts again invest into the tackle position, or perhaps at guard, if Goncalves is going to stay at tackle.

When drafting Freeland, the Colts knew that development and the need to bulk up was required. The experience he gained last season, along with having another year of working with offensive line coach Tony Sparano provide a good foundation for Freeland to take a step forward in 2024.

“He’s done a really nice job,” said Shane Steichen said last season. “He works like a pro, and Tony does a really good job with him and getting all those guys – there’s been some moving parts this year upfront.

“The job Tony has done with those guys, getting them ready to play, has been great. But the progress that (Blake Freeland) has made as been really good as well and he’s doing a nice job for us.”