The 15 best draft picks in Indianapolis Colts history

NEW YORK - APRIL 18: First round draft pick Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis colts, commissioner Paul Tagliabue and owner of the Colts Jim Irsay poses for this photo while Peyton shows his jersey to the Media after he was drafted by the Colts during the NFL Draft April 18, 1998 at the Theatre at MSG in the Manhattan borough of New York City. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Ryan Diem lines up against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

46. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OL. RyanDiem. player. Round 4, Pick 118. 10

One of the linemen that helped protect Peyton Manning was Ryan Diem. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 Draft and played his entire career with Indianapolis.

Diem was a lineman, his career wasn’t glamorous. He never made a Pro Bowl nor was he selected to any All-Pro teams. However, he was a critical part of Indy’s success in the first decade of the 2000s.

Diem played with Indianapolis from 2001 to 2011. In those 11 seasons, he played in 157 games and started in a total of 150 games.

His starts came all across the offensive line, primarily at right tackle and at right guard.

Although Diem didn’t receive much personal glory, he was one of the pieces that makes a run for Super Bowl 41 possible. He did a tremendous job protecting Manning’s right side and ultimately was a great selection for Indianapolis.

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