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Colts improve in offensive line rankings despite offseason departures

By Jaleel Grandberry

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts and Mark Glowinski #64 at the line during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts and Mark Glowinski #64 at the line during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts experienced some significant turnover on the offensive line this offseason but they still have one of the best units.

Last season, the Indianapolis Colts dominated the NFL on the ground and it was because of Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line. Led by two Pro Bowlers, Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, Indy’s front was considered one of the best units in the NFL.

That unit took a hit this offseason. The Colts lost Eric Fisher, Mark Glowinski, and Chris Reed in free agency. Fisher and Glowinski were starters and two big pieces that made the run game go. Indy had to work on replacing them without losing a step.

Apparently, Indianapolis adequately replaced the departures on the offensive line and found a way to get better, at least according to Pro Football Focus.

In PFF’s end-of-season offensive line rankings, Sam Monson ranked Indy as the 12th-best line in football. With the majority of offseason acquisitions complete, Michael Renner from PFF lists the Colts as the 10th-best offensive line currently.

Colts ranked 10th-best offensive line

The projected starters for the Indy offensive line left to right are, Matt Pryor, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, and Braden Smith. Nelson, Kelly, and Smith are the anchors of this offensive line and their spots are secure, however, the left tackle and right guard spots may be up for grabs.

Right guard, not so much. Pinter has somewhat proven himself during his time as a reserve and was the natural replacement with Glowinski and Reed leaving. Matt Pryor, on the other hand, will have to hold off some competition.

The Colts selected Bernhard Raimann in the third round of the 2022 Draft and also signed veteran linemen Dennis Kelly. Both Kelly and Raimann could stake a claim at the starting left tackle spot.

Whoever the eventual starting five guys are, they will have to be able to continue to carve running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and also be able to do a better job protecting the quarterback than last year’s line. In order to get the most out of Matt Ryan and the passing game, the offensive line will have to be able to pass protect.

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