Colts: 3 players who aren’t getting enough respect entering 2021

1. Braden Smith

The Colts’ offensive line is arguably the only level of their roster that gets the national attention it deserves. Despite that, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if some fans and pundits had no idea who right tackle Braden Smith was.

Unfortunately for Smith, that’s a consequence of being drafted in the same class as superstar duo Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard. With that being said, fans in Indianapolis are fully aware of what he brings to the table on a weekly basis.

Initially drafted to be a guard, Smith impressed during a start at right tackle against the Patriots during his rookie year in 2018 and has been the starter ever since. Over his first three years, he’s earned a combined 77.7 blocking grade from PFF, but you won’t hear folks outside of Indy mention his name while compiling a list the NFL’s best offensive linemen.

Colts: Braden Smith deserves to be treated like one of the best RTs in the NFL.

Smith is slowly morphing into one of the best young right tackles in the NFL, and his statistics from last year prove it. Over 937 snaps, the Auburn product conceded three penalties and zero sacks (!), while tallying an 80.1 overall blocking grade (74.8 passing, 79.3 running).

While fans in Indy are clamoring for the Colts to give Nelson and Leonard lucrative extensions this offseason, and understandably so, the same energy should be committed towards ensuring Smith’s long term future with the franchise.

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