Ranking 4 left tackles that could be long-term answer for Colts

Ranking the projected available left tackle options for the Indianapolis Colts to select with their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

In 2021, Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts chose to pursue a veteran at left tackle to replace the legendary Anthony Castonzo instead of drafting a franchise-caliber starter last spring. Eric Fisher, a former No. 1 overall selectee for the Chiefs was that man— until he wasn’t.

This year, the Colts could look to change their band-aid philosophy on positions of need via the NFL Draft. One of the most valuable positions in football is offensive tackle, more importantly, left tackle.

Finding the team’s future franchise blind-side protector is a task in itself; the odds of landing the right guy in the second round make it all the more difficult.

Recently, some have suggested sliding the four-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson over a spot to fill the need but that doesn’t seem to be ideal. The other option was having the underrated stud of a right tackle, Braden Smith, flip sides. The risks of losing these guys at their current positions outweigh the benefits, however.

Due to Eric Fisher departing in free agency after a struggling season, Indy is left with a major question mark and a bit of inexperience at the position. But replacing a guy that allowed seven sacks and a 68.2 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus isn’t too big of an ask.

Matt Pryor, whom the Colts acquired from Philadelphia last August, appeared in 17 games with five starts. He posted a 76.5 overall grade allowing just eight pressures and zero sacks as the 25th-best graded tackle per PFF.

He was re-signed earlier this offseason and will be given the “first shot” to compete as the team’s left tackle, according to Chris Ballard, who made that claim on ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’ Ballard pointed to Pryor’s performance in the Raiders game as the reason for the team’s belief.

Theoretically, Pryor has earned his keep and is in place to secure his spot as a starter on one of the stoutest offensive lines in the NFL. But with a draft class as talented as this one, it won’t hurt to add talent for competition. Missing out on the surefire first-rounders isn’t all that bad because the expected options at 42 are promising as well.

Minnesota’s Daniel Faalele is one massive name rising up draft boards

From the land down under, Australian native Daniel Faalele has the stature to completely dominate in the NFL. At the combine, he measured in at an astounding 6-foot-8 and 387 pounds of sheer pancaking force.

At Minnesota, Faalele spent the majority of his snaps playing on the right side of the offensive line. How does this fit in with the Colts’ plans? Coaches could revert to the idea of Braden Smith shifting to left tackle with this pick.

Because of his similarity in size to the current projected starter at left tackle, Matt Pryor (6-foot-7, 340 pounds), the two could battle it out for the biggest anchor on the left side of the line.

Regardless of position, if Indy adds this powerful force to the offensive line, things will get ruthless in the run game especially.

Abraham Lucas from Washington State shows pure dominance at the left tackle position

It’s somewhat fitting that Abraham Lucas went to Washington State, a school with a mascot of a cougar because that’s how he plays: quick and powerful.

With a career pass-blocking grade of 91.9 per PFF, it’s astonishing this Washington State product isn’t higher on position rankings for the draft.

Lining up Abraham Lucas next to Quenton Nelson for the Colts not only bolsters the pass blocking on the blind side of Matt Ryan, but the efficiency aspect is also projected to improve from that of Eric Fisher.

In 2021, Lucas didn’t allow a single sack on true pass sets. As a run blocker, he took his play to a new level after some inconsistencies early in his collegiate career.

Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan is as versatile as they come

I am once again coming to your reading pleasure to inform you of Bernhard Raimann, the Central Michigan prospect that was originally recruited to play tight end. Yes, he’s that athletic.

With only two years of active game time at the tackle position, it’s no question the raw ability presents itself, but the instinctive nature in his play is what comes to face.

His progression is due to his determination and willingness as a team player. Having a talent that’s not only humbled to be in the position he’s in but also welcoming to coaching screams future leader and a prime candidate for one of the NFL’s most positive locker rooms.

The potential of this pick would solidify a true fit as a franchise tackle for the future of the Colts— after some further development. The reasoning for his status as the second-best fit is that he may not be available when the Colts make their first selection at No. 42.

Tyler Smith will be best available fit at left tackle for Colts in 2022 NFL draft

By far the best fit for the Colts at left tackle is Tulsa’s, Tyler Smith. A nasty mauler in the trenches that can do everything you ask him to do.

Quick, powerful hands that can take on both finesse and strong defensive ends. For his size, his exceptional athleticism allows fluid movement to get to the next level in run blocking.

Although Tulsa competes in the American Athletic Conference, Tyler Smith plays levels beyond and faced similar talent throughout his college career with Tulsa’s versatile playing schedule.

Most notably, you can watch his play against Ohio State, where he consistently pancaked defenders and finished his blocks through the whistle. Against Oklahoma State, you can find the same traits. The man dominates.

For someone that measured in at 6-foot-6, 332 pounds, Smith has great functional movement and thrives in one-on-one blocking, putting his defender into the dirt as often as possible.

His rawness is his lone setback which causes unnecessary penalties. However, that’s a trait that’s entirely coachable. Tyler Smith may not produce as a starter right away, ideal situation for the Colts who are looking to add competition to the position with Matt Pryor set to be the front runner.

Drafting for depth over a positional need such as Wide Receiver is a Chris Ballard draft strategy, but if the Colts choose to take this route, it could be beneficial in the long run if they focus on these prospects in a deep draft class embedded with talent.

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