Colts training camp preview: Offensive line

We continue our comprehensive training camp preview by looking at perhaps the most solid unit the team has; the offensive line.

The Colts took awhile to build a good offensive line. They didn’t have much talent up front because of poor drafting decisions in the past. But now they have built a unit that allowed the fewest sacks last year, and is fully healthy going into training camp.

Every one of the starters from a year ago return. Matt Slauson retired, so his fill in from last season Mark Glowinski enters the year at the starting right guard spot. He signed an extension because he played so well. There weren’t any other notable changes.

Braden Smith, a natural guard, will still start at the right tackle position. He played fantastically after getting thrust into that position early in the year. He should continue to grow in that position and continue to play well there in his second year.

Anthony Castonzo is healthy this offseason, which was not the case last year. He missed all of training camp and the first few games of 2018. Now he is full healthy, which is key for the group. Ryan Kelly is too, which is also good. He has struggled with injuries in his career so far.

Quenton Nelson is the stud left guard that no one has to worry about. Well defenses do, but Colts fans do not. He will be even better this season now that he has a full year of NFL experience under his belt. The question going into camp isn’t the starting group, but the backups.

Behind these guys, there are some questions. They have Evan Boehm, Joe Haeg, J’Marcus Webb, Jackson Barton, and Javon Patterson who will all make the team. Unfortunately, Patterson will miss all of his rookie year with injury. But after that, it’s a free for all on who makes the roster.

Le’Raven Clark is a top candidate to get cut. Nico Siragusa, William Poehls, Jake Eldrenkramp, and Josh Andrews are all fighting to stay on the team. There’s a good chance only one or two of them do. This is one of the more intriguing position groups to watch during camp.

Everyone will fight to keep their place on this roster. But one thing is for sure; the starters are bona fide studs.