The Indianapolis Colts have been scrambling for answers at the left tackle position due to the retirement of Anthony Castonzo and an injury afflicting Eric Fisher. With the likes of Will Holden and Sam Tevi struggling to seize the QB1 job in an emphatic fashion, Indy might’ve been thrown a miraculous lifeline in the form of Andre Dillard.
Dillard was selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft, as his experience in Mike Leach’s Air Raid at Washington State lead Howie Roseman to believe that he could be the perfect left tackle for Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz.
Of course, we all know how that plan turned out.
Not only was Pederson fired and Wentz traded to Indianapolis, but Dillard has suited up in just four NFL starts in two years. While 2018 seventh-rounder Jordan Mailata came into the NFL as a rugby player with no football experience, his impressive play last year could lead to him beating Dillard out for the starting left tackle job.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, teams have been calling the Eagles to ask bout Dillard, as the idea of taking on the task of rehabilitating a former first-round pick who is just 25 years old has plenty of appealing traits to it.
The Colts could end up trading for Dillard, as it wouldn’t cost much in terms of draft capital due to his injury history.
Asking around on Andre Dillard, following @Jeff_McLane's report that the #Eagles have received calls on the former first-round pick, and I'm told "quite a few teams" are in the mix and have already expressed interest in the 25-year-old offensive tackle.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 19, 2021
This Colts-Eagles trade for Andre Dillard could work.
The Colts are currently going to start either Sam Tevi, Will Holden, or Julién Davenport at left tackle until Fisher is back. Considering how their preseason opener went against the Panthers, Indy is right to be a bit frightened about how their depth chart looks at the moment.
Even if Fisher comes back, there is no guarantee he will play like the Pro Bowl talent we saw in Kansas City given his age and injuries. At least adding Dillard and allow Indianapolis to potentially snag a long-term starter with two years left on his rookie contract.
Andre Dillard has yet to take the Eagles' starting left tackle job even though the team used a first-round draft pick on him in 2019. After a significant injury for the second straight preseason, some teams are inquiring about his availability. https://t.co/N0OfXDgmTC
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) August 19, 2021
If he were healthy, there would still plenty of optimism surrounding Dillard and his pro potential. He’s got light feet, athleticism, and knows how to effectively use his hands in pass protection well. The health is a big concern, but if the Colts are confident in Fisher despite his injuries, they should feel equally confident in Dillard.
The Colts need to find someone who can hold down the left tackle spot in the 2022 season and beyond. Dillard’s injury risk will allow Indy to get away with eschewing a Day 1 or 2 pick in a hypothetical trade, but they will need to give the Eagles a pick with some value considering his potential.
4 Colts tumbling down depth charts during the preseason
With training camp and the preseason in full swing, these four Indianapolis Colts players seem to be tumbling down the depth chart.