The Indianapolis Colts acquired Yannick Ngakoue to help the defense but he is also helping the offense improve as well.
One of the biggest moves this offseason for the Indianapolis Colts was trading for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Determined to improve its pass rush, Indy sent cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to Las Vegas to acquire Ngakoue. After recording 10 sacks last season, Yannick is on a mission to bring a pass rush back to the Colts.
Since joining the team, Ngakoue has already become a fan favorite. He’s a personable athlete that has been committed to engaging with fans and the Indianapolis community. So far in training camp, he has been just as impressive on the field.
The Colts have only had two training camp practices so far but a consistent theme has emerged. That theme is that Yannick Ngakoue plays fast and goes hard every play. That’s been a consistent takeaway from media members and fans who have attended practice.
While that will make Indy’s defense better, it has already been helping out the offense as well. One of the biggest question marks on the team is the left tackle position. Turns out, Ngakoue’s intensity has also been helping Matt Pryor at left tackle as he looks to secure the starting spot.
.@Colts DE @YannickNgakoue is bringing a ton of energy to camp. And he's also helping LT Matt Pryor get better, who said Ngakoue gives him a "game look" every snap.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) July 28, 2022
Pryor: "It’s going to make my technique better. He’s real good with his hands. He’s a real hand technician."
Yannick Ngakoue is pushing Matt Pryor to be better
Pryor is currently trying to win the job as the Colts starting left tackle. As a veteran entering his fourth year, Pryor has limited experience as a starter. He’s played in 44 total games but has only started 15. However, Indianapolis was impressed enough with his appearances last season to give him the first shot at starting.
Coincidentally, Pryor’s lone start at left tackle last year came against the Las Vegas Raiders, when Ngakoue was still with them. Pryor did a solid job blocking against Ngakoue in that game and now they get to engage in that battle daily.
As Pryor does his best to hold off talented rookie Bernhard Raimann, Ngakoue will continue going hard in practice, setting the pace for the defense and forcing the tackles trying to block him to raise their levels. This daily intensity will help improve the quality of both lines for the Colts.
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