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After a ‘Good-Year’, Colts Kicking Tires on Denzelle Good at RT or RG

By Luke Schultheis

Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Denzelle Good (71) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16.Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Denzelle Good (71) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16.Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s no question that the Indianapolis Colts are encouraged about 2nd-year offensive lineman Denzelle Good‘s enormous potential following an impressive rookie campaign:

"“We really like what we’ve seen so far,” said owner Jim Irsay of Good earlier this offseason. “We don’t see why he can’t be a starting right guard or right tackle in this league. And if he continues on that path, it’s going to be a great draft pick and an important player when you get a guy like that who can move at 6-6 and 340 pounds. That’s rare.”"

The 6’5″, 340 pound mammoth of an offensive tackle was a 7th round pick last year by the team out of little known Mars Hill. While Good was inactive for the first 10 weeks of last season, he ended up starting 4 games at right tackle because of injuries to bookend Anthony Castonzo.

Despite playing at an unheralded football program, the Colts were reportedly wowed by Good, after he dunked a basketball after a pre-draft workout at his enormous size:

His physical measurables flashed on the field, as Good put his big body and athletic attributes to work this past season in limited action:

"“I got to play with him a little bit last year and I’ve never double teamed anybody like that in my life,” said Hugh Thornton of playing alongside Good."

Aug 5, 2015; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Denzelle Good (71) waits his turn to go through drills during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2015; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Denzelle Good (71) waits his turn to go through drills during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Good is likely the frontrunner to win the Colts starting right tackle job; however, returning versatile swingtackle Joe Reitz is also in the mix–who’s been taking 1st team reps this week at OTA’s as the former rests for rehabilitation reasons.

Not to mention, there’s always this year’s 3rd round pick Le’Raven Clark patiently waiting, who could push for reps in the competition.

While Good played at right tackle for the Colts, he’s also apparently being considered at right guard, where the Colts have a wide open competition to determine this year’s starter:

"“Joe Philbin has told Good to be ready for guard and tackle this season,” writes Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen."

Either way, at tackle or guard, Good has a strong chance of starting next season and could become a mainstay on the right side of the team’s offensive line for years to come after an impressive rookie debut.

Something that Good’s apparently ready for:

"“It got my confidence through the roof,” said Good of his rookie season. “It let me know that I could actually play in this league. First 10 weeks, I sat. I was kind of unsure if I could get out there in an actual game and compete. But I always had confidence in myself, but not as much as I did after those games.“I definitely felt like I needed that to advance as a player. This year I’m definitely ready to get out there on the field and just build off of what I put on film last year.”"

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