To round out their crop, the Indianapolis Colts finally took an offensive tackle with the No. 248 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft arriving in the form of Penn State’s Will Fries.
While many expected this position to be the team’s first pick in the draft, it actually turns out to be their last.
Fries brings that most important trait needed in any lineman brought into Indianapolis, position versatility. Fries was a four-year starter for the Nittany Lions, starting multiple games at four of the five positions on the line and even one start as a blocking tight end. The only notable exception being at center.
While tape may show far from a polished product, rarely is any seventh-rounder without a few flaws, the Colts are getting a tough and durable worker in Fries who’s gone up against some of the toughest competition in college football playing in the Big Ten.
Below average arm length at just under 33 inches and his athletic and speed limitations including a 5.38 in the 40-yard dash, Fries might be better suited to playing inside at the pro level. Interior play would help bring out the most in what Fries does well with his effort, tenacity, solid hand usage and balance to even the odds against top interior rushers.
As far as projection for the seventh-rounder, the expectation would be that his versatility would prime him to contribute as a depth option across the line, most importantly as a swing tackle candidate if need be. Based on comments made by Colts brass, one would expect Sam Tevi to be the presumed starter at left tackle with Julie’n Davenport also competing for the job.
Fries will have to battle it out with the likes of Chris Reed, Danny Pinter, and Joey Hunt for one of the remaining likely three to four final depth spots in training camp.
Rookie Projection: Depth lineman with swing tackle potential
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