Full Colts midseason rookie report card: Grading how 2023 draft picks have performed
Round 4, Pick 106: Blake Freeland (OT)
Injuries to the offensive line — both starting tackles Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith have missed multiple weeks — forced fourth-rounder Blake Freeland into a more significant role than expected. The six-foot-eight BYU product has already started six games, filling in at both tackle spots and playing 69% of available offensive snaps. Freeland hasn't been anywhere near perfect but he's also drawn some tough assignments including Aaron Donald in Week 4 and Myles Garrett in Week 7.
Freeland was always considered a developmental prospect coming out of the draft. He is obviously a great athlete, setting an o-line combine record with a vertical jump of 37 inches, but needs to add weight and refine his technique. With more time under offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr., Freeland should get better but Indianapolis fans must be patient with him. As of now, even with plenty of room to improve, Freeland has at least provided much-needed depth to a banged-up unit.
Grade: C+
Round 4, Pick 110: Adetomiwa Adebawore (DT)
Adetomiwa Adebawore didn't see a ton of action for the first eight weeks of the season, but that wasn't necessarily surprising — it always seemed like the Colts were going to let Adebawore develop and learn behind the team's veterans. However, with Grover Stewart missing time due to suspension, Adebawore was given a season-high 21 snaps in Week 9 and he took full advantage of that opportunity to record his first career sack.
In true next-man-up fashion, Adebawore stayed ready and stepped up to the plate when the Colts needed him. He continued that momentum last week against the Patriots, picking up another 17 snaps as he fights for consistent playing time. Many considered Adebawore a steal in Round 4 but he'll have to prove himself before he earns that label. There were expectations that he would be a solid rotation player for the Colts — especially since he was the only defensive lineman the team drafted — but it's yet to be seen if Adebawore can fulfill that role.