Indianapolis Colts Biggest Offseason Needs: Offensive Tackle
By Andrew Ites
The Colts offensive line struggled all year long in 2017, and the front office should address that issue by adding some talent at offensive tackle this offseason.
Anthony Castonzo has been tremendous protecting the quarterback’s blind side at left tackle, but the right tackle position has been a bit of a revolving door lately in Indianapolis.
Le’Raven Clark, Joe Haeg, Jeremy Vujnovich, and Denzelle Good are all options for the Colts at right tackle, but none of them are particularly good options. Haeg is probably the best player of that group, but he’s not talented enough to prevent general manager Chris Ballard from looking to upgrade that position this offseason.
It’s nearly impossible to find a quality offensive tackle in free agency as NFL teams have learned to lock up those players with long-term contracts.
Nate Solder of New England is probably the best free agent tackle that could be available this offseason. Fellow Patriot Cameron Fleming and the Steelers’ Chris Hubbard are backup free agent tackles who are capable of playing at the level of a starter.
Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey and Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown are the top two tackle prospects in this year’s draft.
Texas’ Connor Williams and Oregon’s Tyrell Crosby are intriguing third-fifth round prospects, which is where the Colts may be looking to fill this need.
Next: What Will the Colts Offense Look Like Under Josh McDaniels
Chris Ballard probably doesn’t want to spend the third overall pick on a tackle, and there aren’t many high-level free agent tackles available, so keep an eye on those tackle prospects that may fall out of the first round.
Here are our breakdowns of the other needs for the Colts this offseason:
More from Horseshoe Heroes
- Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
- When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
- Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
- Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
- Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen