Colts Have Workout Scheduled with WSU OL Joe Dahl
According to DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have a workout scheduled with Washington State offensive lineman Joe Dahl:
"“Washington State offensive lineman Joe Dahl is building some momentum for himself and there’s a belief he could land in the second day of the draft. Teams like his athleticism and ability to adjust, something I spoke about during Senior Bowl week, and fee a bit more strength would complete his game. Dahl’s visit and workout schedule is loaded and includes the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Bucs, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts.”"
The 6’4″, 304 pound offensive lineman started the first 8 games of this past season at left tackle for the Cougars before suffering a broken foot in November.
Despite the injury, Dahl still earned 1st-Team All-Pac 12 and USA Today 2nd-Team All-American honors, as he was highly productive protecting the blindside beforehand:
Washington State OT Joe Dahl was beaten to the outside for pressure once every 140 snaps, 4th-best in the draft class#PFFDraft
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 3, 2016
While Dahl excelled at left tackle in the collegiate ranks, he projects as an offensive guard at the NFL level due to his lack of ideal length for the position:
Dahl played a lot of guard this week. Think his value is at RG @EWU_Hawk_Husker
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 30, 2016
That being said, he still projects as a high quality starting caliber offensive lineman (via his NFL.com draft profile):
"SOURCES TELL US“Stud! Really tough. Played through injuries which put some shaky tape out there but if you watch him when he’s healthy there ain’t no doubt what he’s going to do in the pros.” — Pac-12 scout"
"NFL COMPARISONT.J. LangBOTTOM LINEAverage athlete, but a good football player. Dahl fights through his limitations using determination and toughness. He will have to make a move inside and needs to continue to hit the training table and weight room to add even more mass to his frame. Dahl has potential as a drive blocking guard but needs to play with better hand placement to maximize results. Dahl projects as an eventual starting guard."
Of course, the Colts could use help at offensive guard, as Hugh Thornton has failed to solidify the starting position on the right side. The 2013 3rd round pick has been marred by both injuries and inconsistency.
Not to mention–right or wrong, the Colts seem to envision swing-tackle Joe Reitz, who could be another alternative at right guard, as an invaluable backup more than a regular starter.
While Andrew Luck also has to get rid of the ball quicker, the Colts offensive line still surrendered the 2nd most QB hits last season with 118 total QB hits. That has to change, as the the team has to better protect their franchise player going forward.
A solid offensive guard prospect such as Dahl, who could be available in the mid-rounds of this year’s NFL Draft, could certainly help to shore up the Colts starting offensive line.