Is offensive line a need?

Manning1887 · November 25, 2014

After watching the mitigated disaster that was our offensive line on Sunday, I couldn't help but wonder whether we should focus (again) on offensive linemen in the draft. Granted Gosder Cherilus was noticeably absent from his right tackle post and Joe Reitz showed he should only be playing guard. However, Hugh Thornton wasn't exactly impressive in his two quarters of football. Jon Harrison was Jon Harrison, and I still question why he is playing over Shipley. The left side of the line gets a pass because the right side was so bad, they got to the quarterback first!

So what do we have on the line?

Anthony Castonzo - In my opinion, he has been solid. Good in pass protection and good run blocking. He seems to be our best lineman. I am not sure he is a top ten left tackle in the league, but we don't really need that. I feel fine with him on the left side. That being said, it would be interesting to see how he has graded out.

Jack Mewhort - he seems like a great second round pick for Grigson and the future at left guard. He definitely has his moments but for the most part has been very solid.

Jon Harrison - At center, mistakes are magnified, and Harrison has had his share of mistakes that cost us penalty yards. More importantly, his mistakes have cost unnecessary hits on Luck. There appears to be a lot of pressure coming up the gut, although it is tough to know how much of that is Harrison and how much is guard play. I still believe we are better off with Shipley.

Hugh Thornton - The man can not seem to block a stunt. He does not recognize it. Very inconsistent. He has been a disappointment. Maybe his injury did affect his play Sunday, but the line did play better with Shipley at guard.

Gosder Cherilus - He has apparently been battling a groin injury this year which has affected his play. His pass blocking seems to be really good for the most part. His run blocking has been subpar. There were some plays against the Patriots where he whiffed badly. He is getting paid too much to be a one dimensional blocker.

Depth- I thought we had nice depth but maybe I am wrong. With Khaled Holmes, AQ Shipley, Xavier Nixon, and Joe Reitz there is some talent and some experience. Reitz looked horrendous against the Jags, which begs the question of how good the rest of the group is if he is our number one backup at right tackle. Maybe Ulrick John will come back strong next year and compete? I am guessing the coaching staff has given up on Holmes. I am not sure why he isn't given a shot at center or right guard given the level of play we are currently getting at those spots.

Given our defensive deficiencies, can we afford to properly address the offensive line in the 2015 draft?

Second Round and Third Round offensive line possibilities currently:

Cameron Erving C Florida State - played left tackle and struggled before moving to center. Athletic player with great size but limited playing time at center. Still, seems to have huge upside at the position.

Jake Fisher OT Oregon - Fisher has played all over the line for Oregon. He may actually make a great right guard a la Kyle Long for the Bears.

Jarvis Harrison OT Texas A&M - Jarvis was actually a top guard prospect before moving to left tackle given the issues Cedric Ogbuehi had at the position. Harrison has a future at guard in the NFL.

These are just a couple of guys that have stood out to me. There are a number of first round caliber players that will be available, but I just don't know how we don't draft a safety or DE/OLB in the first round. We have to improve our safety play and pass rush if we really want to compete. Although if we can't protect Luck it is a moot point.

Defjamz26 · November 25, 2014

Cherilus has to be upgraded soon anyways. He's like top 5 on the team in terms of cap hit iirc. Plus I don't think he was brought in for the long term. So yes, O-Line is a need. Center is fine, we just need to figure out what we're doing there. You have Harrison, Shipley, and Holmes. One of them has got to be the guy.

You can probably get a decent RT prospect in the 3rd-4th round. Most of the OTs taken early the last couple of years have struggled anyways (Kalil, Matthews, Fisher, Joekel,etc..).

Gavin · November 25, 2014

Rather get a solid O Lineman through FA, Willie Colone,, Mike Lupati is scheduled to be a FA...Wont happen with Lupati.

Boiler_Colt · November 25, 2014

Rather get a solid O Lineman through FA, Willie Colone,, Mike Lupati is scheduled to be a FA...Wont happen with Lupati.

Same, Iupati would be the guy I would want. You think he's a lock to return to SF?

BOTT · November 25, 2014

Rather get a solid O Lineman through FA, Willie Colone,, Mike Lupati is scheduled to be a FA...Wont happen with Lupati.

Thought the colts should have done that this off season with guys like Asamoah and Schwartz available. I had no faith in Thomas being able to stay healthy.

Gavin · November 27, 2014

Thought the colts should have done that this off season with guys like Asamoah and Schwartz available. I had no faith in Thomas being able to stay healthy.

They should have, I understand wanting to develop your young O Linemen and play them early(Longterm it may pay off but I think there needs to be a change or two made) but thats one of the 3 positions (along with QB and Corner) where if you dont have at least solid (if not great) talent at then then your in big BIG trouble. Guard is a very underrated position, If ya dont have Guards that know how to open up holes in the run game then ya better have AP or the second coming of Barry Sanders cause otherwise your not going to run the ball consistently to believe you can rely on it......as we have seen

coltsfanatic24 · November 27, 2014

We just need a veteran RG. Shipley is the best C on the roster.

Track Guy · November 27, 2014

O-line is most certainly a need. The college play I really like for our scheme is Vadal Alexander from LSU. I don't know if he'll declare because he's only a junior, but he's a classic road grading guard. If he declares, I'm imagining he will go in the second round, possibly late first but more likely second. His teammate La'El Collins would also be a guy I would be happy with landing but I'm not sure that he lasts all the way to our first pick, as we're likely picking in the mid-20s at least.