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Indianapolis Colts: Forecasting the 2020 starting offensive depth chart

By Daniel Davis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 17: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is seen during the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 17: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is seen during the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 29: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Indianapolis Colts watches the action during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

This is arguably the easiest part of this breakdown to write. The Colts offensive line is the best in the league and it’s not even close. As a unit, the Colts allowed 15 sacks last season, with Quenton Nelson not allowing a single sack for his second year. To this day in his NFL career, he hasn’t allowed a single sack.

Offensive Tackle:

Anthony Castanzo was signed to an extension in the offseason and will make him a Colt for the rest of his career. Castanzo has greatly improved his game in the past few seasons making him one of the best in the NFL right now. Allowing only 3 sacks last year and 5 hurries, he was one of the best in the league. The biggest improvement was only having two penalties against him which shows the commitment to clean, good football by Frank Reich and Chris Ballard.

On the right side of the lane is Braden Smith. Smith struggled in the sack column giving up 7 and allowing 9 hits. However, his strength comes in the running game. He’s able to anchor the right side of the line. Looking back at his film I saw his quick feet and he’s able to gain leverage easily and push back anyone on that side of the line. Tackles are a unique position in that they have to be fast, but bulky; quick, but steady on their feet.

Offensive Guard:

The Colts have the best guard in the league right now with Quenton Nelson. I don’t know what else to say but that the guy is an absolute monster at his position. Guard is a very important position in the passing game so the quarterback has a place to step up in the pocket on those deeper passing plays. Nelson is a player that is rock solid and the quarterback will always have a place to step up into the pocket. Given that Philip Rivers hasn’t had any kind of good protection in his career, I’m going to love seeing what Rivers can do with a good offensive line.

On the left side, we have Mike Glowinski. Glowinski has struggled against the pass in recent years but has been rock solid against the run. He allowed 3 sacks last year but helped the running game more than people saw. He’s a player that has ups and downs in his game but is always solid when he needs to be.

Center:

Ryan Kelly is another player who was drafted and is incredible. Kelly has been a solid player for his career and continues to prove the doubters wrong. Just like Jeff Saturday, the biggest criticism of his was his size. Kelly gave up just one sack last season but committed 10 penalties in crucial parts of the field. However, he’s still a solid player when he needs to be and makes the Colts line the best in the league for a reason.

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