Much has been made about the quarterback competition that will take place for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will compete for the starting job, and whoever earns it will enter a pivotal year for their career. While that competition will play out in training camp, one thing is already clear: the winner will have a competent supporting cast.
The offensive weapons are well known, with Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. leading the charge for returning players, as well as tight end Tyler Warren joining the party. Additionally, the defense has added several players who should significantly improve the unit. Most importantly, the winner of the quarterback competition will be playing behind a solid offensive line with an elite tackle duo.
That was evident in a recent ranking by PFF of the 32-best offensive tackles entering the 2025 season. Both Indianapolis tackles were present, with Bernhard Raimann at No. 10 and Braden Smith ranked at No. 21.
Colts tackles Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith ranked as top tackles by PFF
Raimann, who rounded out the top 10, was praised by PFF’s Zoltán Buday for his consistency over the last two seasons, as Buday argued he might be the most underrated tackle in the league.
"Raimann might be the most underrated tackle in the NFL. He was among the best left tackles in the league for the second straight season, and his 87.9 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons ranks seventh among all offensive tackles and fifth among left tackles.Zoltán Buday (PFF)
Raimann is one of just five offensive tackles to have earned both a PFF pass-blocking and a run-blocking grade above 80.0 over that period."
Smith, on the other hand, is coming off a down season after five dominant years according to PFF, but he still demonstrated his ability in the 12 games he did play, and that earned him a spot right outside the top 20.
"After five straight seasons of being ranked among the top 20 offensive tackles in PFF overall grade, Smith had a down season in 2024. It was cut short due to an injury, and he earned only a 65.7 PFF overall grade, which ranked 48th at the position.Zoltán Buday (PFF)
He was still an above-average run blocker, highlighted by his 19th-ranked 74.6 PFF run-blocking grade. With Smith still only 29 years old, he gets the benefit of the doubt that he can return to his previous level of play in 2025."
Having two solid tackles will go a long way for whoever is at quarterback, especially since both guys are good run blockers and pass protectors. Additionally, Indy still has Quenton Nelson at left guard. If the other two linemen can step up and play at a solid level, the offensive line should be able to lead the Colts to success, as long as the quarterback can deliver.