Colts met with veteran tackle Dennis Kelly ahead of the Draft
The Indianapolis Colts are exploring all options to build offensive line depth as they prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Entering the NFL Draft, one of the needs for the Indianapolis Colts is the left tackle position. Currently, Matt Pryor is expected to be the starter, but even if he excels, Indy still needs depth.
Many expect the Colts to go after a tackle sometime during the Draft and some even believe they will do so in the second round with their first pick.
While that’s still to be decided, Indianapolis is giving itself some flexibility by exploring veteran free agent tackles. Indy recently hosted Dennis Kelly just days before the Draft.
Tackle depth will give Colts flexibility in Draft
Kelly will be entering his 10th year in the league next season and he’s coming off a year playing with the Green Bay Packers. He also spent five seasons with the Tennessee Titans and three with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Throughout his career, Kelly has lined up all across the line and will be a good depth piece for the Colts. In the 114 games he’s played, he has only started 51, so Kelly is used to being a reserve and extra linemen.
It’s unclear if Indianapolis wants to sign Kelly after his visit, but if they do, that could come before or after this weekend’s Draft.
The Colts could be using Kelly as a backup plan in case they can’t select the prospective tackles they’re interested in or Indy could want to sign Kelly to increase flexibility in the Draft.
If Indianapolis signs a veteran like Kelly that they’re comfortable with, it won’t feel pressured to draft linemen and the team will be able to go after other positions of need.
Whether it’s the Draft or free agency, Indianapolis will likely be adding an offensive tackle in the coming days.