With the tight end position garnering much of the attention, not to be forgotten about when it comes to needs for the Indianapolis Colts is the right guard spot.
With Ryan Kelly signing with Minnesota, the natural fit at center to replace him is Tanor Bortolini. The Colts also re-signed Danny Pinter to create some competition if needed.
However, without Will Fries at right guard, filling that role with the current offensive line room has more unknowns. Josh Sills, Atonio Mafi, and Dalton Tucker are the true guard options on the roster for the Colts.
A second option could include moving Matt Goncalves from the tackle spot to guard, where GM Chris Ballard mentioned after the 2024 NFL draft that he believes Goncalves can play. However, while his skill set may fit that role, Goncalves was a tackle in college and a tackle during his one NFL season.
Moving Goncalves from tackle to guard comes with its unknowns. So the Colts are still exploring offensive line options, whether that be through free agency or the NFL draft.
“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.”
At a minimum, the Colts need to improve their interior offensive line depth and find competition for the swing tackle role if Goncalves is going to be playing inside. However, creating a competition at right guard should very much be on the to-do list.
All the focus will be on Anthony Richardson and his development, but in order for the Colts to give him a real chance of taking a big step forward, they have to get the offensive line unit right. That group has to be good.
Success up front creates a strong running game that can be leaned on and time in the pocket for the quarterback. Without it, finding consistency on offense becomes a very difficult task.
“We think a lot of Gonc,” Ballard said. “If he ends up being the right guard, I don’t know yet, time will let that play out. Let’s get through the rest of the offseason and go.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Right guard uncertainty has Colts exploring free agency and draft
