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Colts Offensive Line Utilizing ‘Interchangeable Parts’ in OTA’s

By Luke Schultheis

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The Indianapolis Colts offensive line hasn’t seen much significant change beyond the addition of veteran offensive lineman Todd Herremans from last season, but it’s a unit that nevertheless figures to be upgraded from last year’s late season patchwork group.

May 29, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (75) participates in blocking drills during organized team activities at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

While the return of a healthy Gosder Cherilus at starting right tackle will largely help matters, as will getting back the inconsistent Hugh Thornton and injury plagued Donald Thomas at guard respectively (albeit to a lesser degree), it’s this year’s offensive line’s “versatility” that truly sets them apart.

Offensive lineman like Jack Mewhort, Todd Herremans, and Joe Reitz are capable of playing anywhere along the offensive line from guard to tackle on both sides, and while two of the three are holdovers from last season, Mewhort was just a rookie, and Reitz was oft-injured.

It’s this perceived positional versatility that provides the Colts offensive line with tremendous depth by having a handful of interchangeable parts at their disposal. Something that the Colts are already tinkering with during the 1st week of OTA’s and using toward their future football advantage:

The one constant of the Colts offensive line appears to be bookend Anthony Castonzo at starting left tackle, but who the remaining starters are is anybody’s guess right now.

The center spot is up for grabs with both Khaled Holmes and Jonotthan Harrison competing against one another for the job. It looks like Jack Mewhort will be one of the starting guards, and one of Todd Herremans, Hugh Thornton, and Donald Thomas will likely be battling for the other guard spot.

Of course, the guard plan could drastically change if Cherilus cannot get healthy, and one of Mewhort or Herremans is forced to start at right tackle in his place, as each one received reps at right tackle at OTA’s today, just in case.

Whatever the ultimate solution may be, the Colts versatility along their offensive line offers them a tremendous amount of flexibility and extra insurance should injuries arise. The Colts may not have made a number of additions to last year’s group, but many of their offensive lineman can play a number of positions, further helping their cause.

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