3 things Colts must improve before returning for training camp

1. Colts should add a veteran guard

One of the more baffling things about Indianapolis over the last year is the fact that its offensive line was horrible, but the team didn’t make any substantive changes to it this offseason. The Colts did draft a couple of tackles, and signed a promising undrafted guard, but the starting unit is expected to look mostly the same.

Bernhard Raimann is returning at left tackle, Quenton Nelson at left guard, Ryan Kelly at center, and Braden Smith at right tackle. Raimann was improving towards the end of his rookie season and he’s expected to be much better in year two. Additionally, no one expects Quenton Nelson to play like he did last year. Kelly and Smith are also expected to improve back toward their respective standards.

Still, the right guard spot is wide open. Indy has Will Fries and Danny Pinter, but neither has proven to be a reliable option yet. Maybe the undrafted rookie Emil Ekiyor Jr. will lock up the position. While that’s possible, it’s hard to understand why Indy won’t just sign one of the available veteran guards that would be a sure upgrade.

Considering the importance of an offensive line in football, especially with a rookie quarterback, the Colts need to be solid up front. Adding a veteran guard ahead of training camp can help make that possible.

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