David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts are one of four teams that have expressed interest in free agent center Alex Mack.
Mack, the 21st overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, has spent his first five professional seasons with the Cleveland Browns and has played in each of the team’s 90 games during that span.
Mack attended high school in Santa Barbara at San Marcos High School and played college football for the University of California, where he was named to the All-Pac-10 team on three separate occasions. In his first season with the Browns, he was named to the NFL All-Rookie team.
The former Golden Bear would, presumably at least, be a good fit in Indianapolis. Not only has the Colts’ offensive line struggled–and struggled mightily at times, I might add–since Andrew Luck was drafted, but the team also released starting center Samson Satele last week. Mack, a two-time Pro-Bowler and perhaps the NFL’s best all-around center, could be more than a replacement for Satele; he could be the anchor that Indy’s offensive line has been missing.
Mack is also just 28 years old, meaning that–assuming they both stay healthy–he and Luck could play alongside each other for several years to come.
If, however, Mack decides to stay with the Browns or join another team this offseason, the Colts would be wise to pursue center Evan Dietrich-Smith, who is an unrestricted free agent and another one of the league’s very best players at the position.