Colts Jack Mewhort on the Move to Right Tackle?

The Indianapolis Colts will be hoping that Gosder Cherilus will be their starting right tackle come next season; however if not, the team is already creating a contingency plan. With Cherilus still rehabilitating a knee injury and unavailable until at least August, the Colts have been giving 2nd-year pro Jack Mewhort reps almost exclusively at right tackle so far in OTA’s.

Having started Week 17 of last season as the team’s starting right tackle, Mewhort isn’t exactly a stranger to the tackle position. However, he’s more of a natural guard, where he started 13 games for the Colts last season on the left side.

Still, having played all over the offensive line while at Ohio State including both tackle spots, Mewhort’s versatility is one of his strong suits and a big reason as to why the Colts made him their 2nd round selection back in 2014. While he’s hoping Cherilus returns healthy, Mewhort is already making the proper preparations to play right tackle if need be in the veteran’s potential absence:

"“They think highly enough of me that I can be a guy that can step in and do it,” Mewhort said via ESPN’s Mike Wells. “I appreciate they think that highly of me, and I always knew it was contingent on guys going down. God forbid something happens, I may be a guy that can move around…. I’ve known all offseason that perhaps I may not be sticking at that same spot. Maybe I am.”“Right now I wouldn’t call it a move to right tackle,” added Mewhort. “I say one of the best right tackles in the league, his locker is over there [in reference to Gosder Cherilus]. He’s getting better every day. We’re praying for him. As soon as he’s back we’ll see what happens.”"

While Mewhort provides adequate insurance on the right side, ideally Cherilus returns fully healthy, and the Colts have their best 5 offensive lineman out there. One of the biggest strengths of last season’s offensive line was on the left side, where Anthony Castonzo was among the best left tackles in football and Mewhort really shined as a rookie. By moving Mewhort to right tackle, the team figures to lose some of that left side dominance.

It’s worth noting though that last season’s version of Cherilus, who was battling a number of physical injuries before being placed on season-ending injured reserve, was clearly ineffective starting at right tackle. Mewhort as the starting right tackle figures to be a significant upgrade to last season’s injury-plagued version of Cherilus.

However, if Cherilus can get healthy and return to his 2013 form, where he was a solid starter at right tackle, the offensive line figures to be in much better shape overall.

If not, Mewhort may be on the move.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Jack Mewhort (75) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

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