Could we still see the Indianapolis Colts add to the offensive line before the NFL draft begins later this month?
Last week at the NFL league meetings, head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that the Colts were still exploring all options.
“We’re working through that right now, (general manager Chris Ballard) and his staff, just looking at what’s out there, obviously, through free agency, possibly the draft,” Shane Steichen said via the Indy Star. “But obviously, offensive line’s a big part of it. You’ve got to be able to protect the quarterback. You’ve got to be able to run the ball really well.”
With Will Fries departing in free agency, it's created some questions up front for the Colts. Perhaps the answer is as simple as Matt Goncalves sliding over from tackle to guard. However, he's been a tackle throughout his career, so assuming that will be a seamless transition comes with risks, and if it does work out, depth along the interior and now at tackle--specifically the swing tackle role--is still needed.
Naturally, the focus on the outside is on the quarterback position and the upcoming training camp competition. But regardless of who is starting, success for the offense begins with the offensive line providing a running game to lean on and time in the pocket. Without those components, it's going to be tough sledding for the Colts on offense.
GM Chris Ballard has to get this unit right.
The draft will provide the opportunity to bolster the trenches, but solely relying on that comes with some risks, considering that you don't know who will be available and that there are still other positions to address as well. Adding to this unit in free agency can add some flexibility in the draft.
So with free agency at a crawl, who are some of the top names still out there? With help from Pro Football Focus, let's take a look at a few guard options.
Tyrstan Colon, Arizona
Colon has played all three interior positions during his NFL career, which is a valuable skill set to have on a roster. He appeared in 10 games last season, playing 386 snaps and grading out quite well as a run-blocker while allowing 12 pressures and no sacks over 215 pass-blocking reps.
Dalton Risner, Minnesota
Throughout his career, Risner has routinely graded out quite well as a pass-blocker but only so-so in the run game. Last season with the Vikings, he allowed just one sack and ranked 40th out of 80 guards in pass-blocking efficiency. Risner was slightly below average in the run game, according to PFF's metrics.
Will Hernandez, Arizona
Hernandez would appear in only five games last season. However, according to PFF's metrics, since 2022, Hernandez's pass-blocking grade is the ninth-best among all guards during that span, and his pressure rate allowed of 4.2% ranks 17th. By PFF's grading system, he's been more effective in pass protection than in the run game.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL draft: 3 Free agent guard options ...
