Colts select OT Blake Freeland

[GoColts8818]

17 minutes ago, Scott Pennock said:

Plug and play this kid at RT and slide Smith back into RG and that solidifies our oline……my humble opinion of course

I think that could be an option if Freeland shows himself to be ready for the NFL in off-season programs and camp.  There is some concern if Freeland is strong enough for the NFL right now and strength isn’t something you can coach.  It’s just going to take old fashioned work and time in the weight room.

[Scott Pennock]

2 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

I think that could be an option if Freeland shows himself to be ready for the NFL in off-season programs and camp.  There is some concern if Freeland is strong enough for the NFL right now and strength isn’t something you can coach.  It’s just going to take old fashioned work and time in the weight room.

Same scouting report about Raimann last year and he eventually was rated out as one of the top 10-15 left tackles the second half of the season. 

[GoColts8818]

Just now, Scott Pennock said:

Same scouting report about Raimann last year and he eventually was rated out as one of the top 10-15 left tackles the second half of the season. 

It also took him half the year to be ready to start.  That’s my point.  He might not be ready day one but that doesn’t mean he can’t be as the season goes on.

[RomanianColtsFan]

This guy looks like he needs some good coaching and some  body work in the fitness room. I think quick pass rushers who can go low are going to be a problem for him.

[ColtJax]

Will Fries part 2. Not that Will Fries is bad, but they both share the same type of film..

[throwing BBZ]

3 hours ago, GoColts8818 said:

Smith isn’t getting cut.  I know he’s expensive but he’s also been their most consistent and best lineman the past couple of years.  He’s earned his contract.  I could see them moving Smith to RG with this move but they aren’t getting ride of him.

 

 Uh, he didn't earn it last season so who would want to pay $19M to watch that ____?

[throwing BBZ]

59 minutes ago, Scott Pennock said:

Same scouting report about Raimann last year and he eventually was rated out as one of the top 10-15 left tackles the second half of the season. 

 

 Raimann came as great athlete with inexperience. About 6 months after we drafted him he surely was stronger and held up well against a number of the best.

 This kid had 25 reps which puts his upper body in the ball park. You can bet he is headed for some serious lower body work. Likely been at it since the Senior Bowl. Starts as a great athlete so...  I would enjoy knowing what he weighs today. 310 would brighten my day. 

[Dobbinblitz]

6 minutes ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 Raimann came as great athlete with inexperience. About 6 months after we drafted him he surely was stronger and held up well against a number of the best.

 This kid had 25 reps which puts his upper body in the ball park. You can bet he is headed for some serious lower body work. Likely been at it since the Senior Bowl. Starts as a great athlete so...  I would enjoy knowing what he weighs today. 310 would brighten my day. 

Yep, just needs lower body work; has anchor issues when setting. Otherwise excellent athlete

Weighs 302 lbs

[richard pallo]

1 hour ago, GoColts8818 said:

I think that could be an option if Freeland shows himself to be ready for the NFL in off-season programs and camp.  There is some concern if Freeland is strong enough for the NFL right now and strength isn’t something you can coach.  It’s just going to take old fashioned work and time in the weight room.

The consensus was Raiman needed an off-season of strength and conditioning.  Sounds like Freeland is in the same boat.

[wig]

7 hours ago, ColtV said:

that would make the most expensive guard tandem in the league I believe. his contract was dictated by being a tackle

 

Is him at RT and a rookie guard cheaper than him moving inside and a rookie deal RT?

[Hawkeyecolt]

Interesting that teams traded in front of the Colts and took Saldaveri and Ringo.  I heard on SiriusXM today that Jones may have a fractured foot. 

[RunTheBall]

Anyone worried about the run game with these thin OT.  Getting to the point where they don't get pushed back in pass pro is one thing, but what are they going to do as far as getting push?  We have JT , but he won't get any help up front.  Misdirection?

[GoColts8818]

1 minute ago, RunTheBall said:

Anyone worried about the run game with these thin OT.  Getting to the point where they don't get pushed back in pass pro is one thing, but what are they going to do as far as getting push?  We have JT , but he won't get any help up front.  Misdirection?

The Colts like to run to the left behind Nelson.  I don’t think that’s going to change with the new head coach.

[RunTheBall]

2 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

The Colts like to run to the left behind Nelson.  I don’t think that’s going to change with the new head coach.

Problem is that Nelson is the only run blocker we seem to have on the whole team.  Smith was the other one, but his struggles in the pass make him a liability.  On third and three, it will have to be a pass of some sort.  Even if we do option like plays with Richardson, our line will get pushed back into our runners.  

[GoColts8818]

2 minutes ago, RunTheBall said:

Problem is that Nelson is the only run blocker we seem to have on the whole team.  Smith was the other one, but his struggles in the pass make him a liability.  On third and three, it will have to be a pass of some sort.  Even if we do option like plays with Richardson, our line will get pushed back into our runners.  

Kelly is the other one.  The Colts are clearly betting on Kelly returning to form.  Time will tell if that’s smart or not.  Either way the Colts like to run Taylor inside so the tackles aren’t much of a factor in their run attack.  Could that change under Shane?  Sure.  Maybe it will because I’ll admit I wish they ran more to the outside at least to keep other teams honest.

[ColtV]

5 hours ago, wig said:

 

Is him at RT and a rookie guard cheaper than him moving inside and a rookie deal RT?

well from what I said previously you wouldn't cut Smith until next year. right now his dead cap number makes it unfeasible to do anything now, but next year cutting Smith saves the team about 10m in cap space if I remember correctly.

 

Freeland would have to show some aptitude in his rookie year to make that possible and right now that's a long shot but to me it seems unlikely to pay Smith 15m a year as a guard in the case that Freeland excels as a tackle

[stitches]

Dane Brugler scouting report on Freeland from The Beast(Draft guide): BTW it's worth buying a subscription to the Athletic only for this Draft Guide. It's probably the most detailed publicly available draft guide out there...

 

13. BLAKE FREELAND | BYU 6077 | 302 lbs. | 4SR Herriman, Utah (Herriman) 5/3/2001 (age 21.98) #71

 

BACKGROUND: Blake Freeland, who has four sisters, was a multisport athlete growing up. He played quarterback as a youth and was an avid basketball player, including on the AAU circuit where he played on the same team as BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua. Freeland attended Herriman High School where he was a four-year letterman on varsity and played a variety of positions. After helping the program to the 2015 5A state championship as a freshman, he was the starting quarterback as a sophomore and junior and combined for 1,314 passing yards, 53 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. For his final season, Freeland moved to tight end and defensive line and earned All-State honors with 13 receptions for 167 yards and one touchdown. A standout track athlete, he earned All-State honors six times and was named the 2019 Gatorade Utah boys track athlete of the year (becoming the first in school history to win the award). Freeland swept the shot put (64’6”), discus (165’2”) and javelin (186’7.25”) at the 2019 state championships and his shot put was fifth in the nation. His personal best in the javelin (188’4”) set a 6A state record. Freeland was also a multiyear captain and the starting center on the Herriman basketball team, earning Honorable Mention All-State honors as a junior with 8.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

 

A three-star recruit, Freeland was the No. 105 athlete in the 2019 recruiting class and the No. 9 recruit in Utah. He grew up a devout BYU fan (his parents met at BYU and were dual-sport college athletes) and committed to the Cougars after his sophomore season (June 2017) when he was still playing quarterback. He visited the University of Utah and strongly considered flipping to the Utes, especially after coaching changes at BYU. But his heart led him to Provo, and he signed with the idea that he would be moving to the offensive line for the first time. Freeland is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints but did not serve a religious mission before enrolling at BYU. His father (James) played linebacker at Ricks College and BYU (1994-95) and threw for the Cougars’ track team. His mother (Debbie) was a dual-sport athlete at BYU (1991-95), playing volleyball and earning All-American honors in basketball. His older sister (Sierra) was on the BYU track team (2017-22) and participated in the shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw. Freeland accepted his invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl.

 

STRENGTHS: Exceptional body length with hard-earned lean muscle mass on his frame … light movements with the feet of a basketball player … state-champion thrower in high school and that explosiveness translates to the football field … shows the reactive athleticism to occupy rushers racing to the corner (his 1.69 10-yard split, 37-inch vertical and 10’0” broad jump were No. 1 among all offensive linemen at the combine) … has improved his hand work and can tie up defenders once he engages … comfortable on the move to quickly position his long pulls … gets defenders moving on down blocks when he pumps his feet at contact … fluid enough to swing his hips and seal outside runs … one of the least-penalized left tackles in 2022 (two false starts, zero holding penalties) … worked hard to add 120 pounds over the last six years … offers functional experience at both left and right tackle with 41 career college starts.

 

WEAKNESSES: High hipped and plays tall, which disrupts his balance … can be jarred by power and needs to continue developing his body/base strength (has the frame to comfortably carry 325-330 pounds) … sets hard on his outside foot, leaving his inside leg vulnerable (struggles to answer inside rush moves) … the depth of his steps and timing of his hands are still very raw (BYU offensive line coach Darrell Funk: “Blake is just a baby … he knows he has a lot to learn.”) … tends to duck his head at contact, and NFL coaches will be tasked with shedding his bad technical habits … uses excessive lean as a run blocker to compensate for his height and falls off his target … his communication can improve to better handle stunts.

 

SUMMARY: A four-year starter at BYU, Freeland lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s zone-based scheme. A 6-foot-7, 190-pound sophomore quarterback in high school, he moved to the offensive line in college and showed improvements each season (zero sacks allowed and only two penalties in 2022). With his family genes, Freeland has an impressive athletic background for his size and is still figuring out how to unlock his natural gifts. However, he is raw as he struggles to sustain blocks or drop his pad level to strengthen his base, often leaving him on the ground. Overall, Freeland’s inexperience and the lesserdeveloped aspects of his game (leverage points, play strength, etc.) will be exposed by NFL talent, but he has the feet, length and upside to warrant being a midround draft pick. He is a work in progress who should eventually compete for an NFL team’s No. 3 tackle spot and potentially more.

 

GRADE: 5th Round

[stitches]

I will be posting some Greg Cosell scouting reports on our draft picks. Here's the one for Blake Freeland:

https://www.the33rdteam.com/nfl-draft/2023/players/blake-freeland-41873/

 

BLAKE FREELAND

OT | BYU

Jr.#71

 

Background:

Freeland was a four-year starter at OT for BYU, finishing his college career with 41 starts in 44 games.

BYU consistently helped Freeland in pass protection with chips, especially in clear passing situations and on third down. That says a lot about how the coaching staff felt about him as a pass protector versus edge rushers, and that’s a problem as you transition Freeland to the next level.

 

Positives:

• Outstanding length for OT. Lean, athletic build with a well-proportioned frame. Looks like a basketball player.
• Pass protection reps where he showed good balance and patience with clean footwork and timely hand usage.
• Arm length is a strong, positive factor in pass protection when efficiently matched with strike-punch timing.
• Showed functional lateral movement and foot quickness to make reach blocks on the back side in zone-run game.
• Came off the ball low with good leverage on down blocks, generating power. Kept his feet moving to sustain.
• Got off the ball low to high as base and drive blocker in run game. Got underneath DE, moving and turning them.
• Run-game snaps where he worked methodically to second level and effectively executed blocks on the move.
• Strong run blocker executing multiple techniques, including down blocks, base/drive blocks and reach blocks.
   

Negatives:

• Did not play with a lot of natural strength and power. That showed up in pass protection and run blocking.
• Consistently struggled in the run game as a climber and puller to make blocks on the move. Balance issues.
• Little heavy-footed in pass protection. Did not possess light feet and easy movement into pass sets. Too upright.
• Not a natural knee bender in 45-degree and vertical sets. Tendency to be too upright, limiting lateral efficiency.
• Too often looked mechanical and robotic in pass sets. Not a loose, fluid athlete with desired lateral movement.
• Balance and body control were consistent issues in pass protection. There were snaps when he looked awkward.
• Consistent issues in pass protection when challenged on the high side. Did not consistently close down the arc.
• Often lacked desired contact strength and movement power as drive blocker and base blocker in the run game.
• Does not possess needed reactive athleticism. He can execute the design of his blocks but struggles after that.
   

Bottom Line:

Freeland is one of those anomalies you get every year with his tape and athletic testing not lining up at all. Freeland put up remarkable testing numbers, including a 40 time of fewer than five seconds and a record-setting vertical jump for OL of 37 inches. The tape presented a different story in that he did not play as a high-level athlete.

Freeland has outstanding length in terms of height and arm length for the offensive tackle position, but he has a narrow, high-cut frame without much mass and natural strength. He played in a BYU offense featuring RPO concepts, quick game throws and multiple screen concepts, which did not demand the kind of pass protection traits needed at the next level. What continually stood out watching the BYU pass game on third downs was Freeland was given chip help versus edge pass rushers. That tells you the coaching staff did not feel comfortable with him matching up one-on-one on more vertical pass sets. Freeland is not a natural knee bender, resulting in him playing too upright, which negatively impacts his initial lateral movement and ability to redirect vs. counters.

Overall, Freeland is a limited offensive tackle prospect, despite off-the-chart athletic testing numbers. He has sluggish footwork, balance in pass protection, and a lack of overall strength and power in his game.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

3 hours ago, stitches said:

I will be posting some Greg Cosell scouting reports on our draft picks. Here's the one for Blake Freeland:

https://www.the33rdteam.com/nfl-draft/2023/players/blake-freeland-41873/

 

BLAKE FREELAND

OT | BYU

Jr.#71

 

Background:

Freeland was a four-year starter at OT for BYU, finishing his college career with 41 starts in 44 games.

BYU consistently helped Freeland in pass protection with chips, especially in clear passing situations and on third down. That says a lot about how the coaching staff felt about him as a pass protector versus edge rushers, and that’s a problem as you transition Freeland to the next level.

 

Positives:

• Outstanding length for OT. Lean, athletic build with a well-proportioned frame. Looks like a basketball player.
• Pass protection reps where he showed good balance and patience with clean footwork and timely hand usage.
• Arm length is a strong, positive factor in pass protection when efficiently matched with strike-punch timing.
• Showed functional lateral movement and foot quickness to make reach blocks on the back side in zone-run game.
• Came off the ball low with good leverage on down blocks, generating power. Kept his feet moving to sustain.
• Got off the ball low to high as base and drive blocker in run game. Got underneath DE, moving and turning them.
• Run-game snaps where he worked methodically to second level and effectively executed blocks on the move.
• Strong run blocker executing multiple techniques, including down blocks, base/drive blocks and reach blocks.
   

Negatives:

• Did not play with a lot of natural strength and power. That showed up in pass protection and run blocking.
• Consistently struggled in the run game as a climber and puller to make blocks on the move. Balance issues.
• Little heavy-footed in pass protection. Did not possess light feet and easy movement into pass sets. Too upright.
• Not a natural knee bender in 45-degree and vertical sets. Tendency to be too upright, limiting lateral efficiency.
• Too often looked mechanical and robotic in pass sets. Not a loose, fluid athlete with desired lateral movement.
• Balance and body control were consistent issues in pass protection. There were snaps when he looked awkward.
• Consistent issues in pass protection when challenged on the high side. Did not consistently close down the arc.
• Often lacked desired contact strength and movement power as drive blocker and base blocker in the run game.
• Does not possess needed reactive athleticism. He can execute the design of his blocks but struggles after that.
   

Bottom Line:

Freeland is one of those anomalies you get every year with his tape and athletic testing not lining up at all. Freeland put up remarkable testing numbers, including a 40 time of fewer than five seconds and a record-setting vertical jump for OL of 37 inches. The tape presented a different story in that he did not play as a high-level athlete.

Freeland has outstanding length in terms of height and arm length for the offensive tackle position, but he has a narrow, high-cut frame without much mass and natural strength. He played in a BYU offense featuring RPO concepts, quick game throws and multiple screen concepts, which did not demand the kind of pass protection traits needed at the next level. What continually stood out watching the BYU pass game on third downs was Freeland was given chip help versus edge pass rushers. That tells you the coaching staff did not feel comfortable with him matching up one-on-one on more vertical pass sets. Freeland is not a natural knee bender, resulting in him playing too upright, which negatively impacts his initial lateral movement and ability to redirect vs. counters.

Overall, Freeland is a limited offensive tackle prospect, despite off-the-chart athletic testing numbers. He has sluggish footwork, balance in pass protection, and a lack of overall strength and power in his game.

Wow, the overall summary makes ham sound like NFL garbage. I would assume the Colts see a bit more in him.

[joecolts]

On 4/29/2023 at 12:22 PM, DougDew said:

At 6'8", he's not playing G.  This pick, if he's good enough, might move Smith to RG.

This is what I can see happening.   Smith was better as a RG than he’s been as a RT so, this could be a solid pick that improves two positions at once:  RT & RG

[dw49]

4 hours ago, stitches said:

I will be posting some Greg Cosell scouting reports on our draft picks. Here's the one for Blake Freeland:

https://www.the33rdteam.com/nfl-draft/2023/players/blake-freeland-41873/

 

BLAKE FREELAND

OT | BYU

Jr.#71

 

Background:

Freeland was a four-year starter at OT for BYU, finishing his college career with 41 starts in 44 games.

BYU consistently helped Freeland in pass protection with chips, especially in clear passing situations and on third down. That says a lot about how the coaching staff felt about him as a pass protector versus edge rushers, and that’s a problem as you transition Freeland to the next level.

 

Positives:

• Outstanding length for OT. Lean, athletic build with a well-proportioned frame. Looks like a basketball player.
• Pass protection reps where he showed good balance and patience with clean footwork and timely hand usage.
• Arm length is a strong, positive factor in pass protection when efficiently matched with strike-punch timing.
• Showed functional lateral movement and foot quickness to make reach blocks on the back side in zone-run game.
• Came off the ball low with good leverage on down blocks, generating power. Kept his feet moving to sustain.
• Got off the ball low to high as base and drive blocker in run game. Got underneath DE, moving and turning them.
• Run-game snaps where he worked methodically to second level and effectively executed blocks on the move.
• Strong run blocker executing multiple techniques, including down blocks, base/drive blocks and reach blocks.
   

Negatives:

• Did not play with a lot of natural strength and power. That showed up in pass protection and run blocking.
• Consistently struggled in the run game as a climber and puller to make blocks on the move. Balance issues.
• Little heavy-footed in pass protection. Did not possess light feet and easy movement into pass sets. Too upright.
• Not a natural knee bender in 45-degree and vertical sets. Tendency to be too upright, limiting lateral efficiency.
• Too often looked mechanical and robotic in pass sets. Not a loose, fluid athlete with desired lateral movement.
• Balance and body control were consistent issues in pass protection. There were snaps when he looked awkward.
• Consistent issues in pass protection when challenged on the high side. Did not consistently close down the arc.
• Often lacked desired contact strength and movement power as drive blocker and base blocker in the run game.
• Does not possess needed reactive athleticism. He can execute the design of his blocks but struggles after that.
   

Bottom Line:

Freeland is one of those anomalies you get every year with his tape and athletic testing not lining up at all. Freeland put up remarkable testing numbers, including a 40 time of fewer than five seconds and a record-setting vertical jump for OL of 37 inches. The tape presented a different story in that he did not play as a high-level athlete.

Freeland has outstanding length in terms of height and arm length for the offensive tackle position, but he has a narrow, high-cut frame without much mass and natural strength. He played in a BYU offense featuring RPO concepts, quick game throws and multiple screen concepts, which did not demand the kind of pass protection traits needed at the next level. What continually stood out watching the BYU pass game on third downs was Freeland was given chip help versus edge pass rushers. That tells you the coaching staff did not feel comfortable with him matching up one-on-one on more vertical pass sets. Freeland is not a natural knee bender, resulting in him playing too upright, which negatively impacts his initial lateral movement and ability to redirect vs. counters.

Overall, Freeland is a limited offensive tackle prospect, despite off-the-chart athletic testing numbers. He has sluggish footwork, balance in pass protection, and a lack of overall strength and power in his game.

 

 

Strange that a guy that "was constantly given help" gave up zero sacks on the year. 

[richard pallo]

3 minutes ago, dw49 said:

 

 

Strange that a guy that "was constantly given help" gave up zero sacks on the year. 

Maybe because he was given help.  Lol

[richard pallo]

6 minutes ago, joecolts said:

This is what I can see happening.   Smith was better as a RG than he’s been as a RT so, this could be a solid pick that improves two positions at once:  RT & RG

There is no way in Gods green earth that Freeland is going to beat out Smith for the RT position and force him to play guard.  We need to hope he can develop to be a good swing tackle in time.  That would be a win.

[dw49]

27 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Maybe because he was given help.  Lol

 

32 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Maybe because he was given help.  Lol

 

Usually a team gives  help to an OT when he's giving up sacks. He's a 3 year starter and gave up zero sacks his senior year. Doesn't quite add up to a guy that's "terrible " in pass protection. Unless you and or Cosell provide the number of total plays and provide the number of plays he had "help" , yours and his comments really mean very little to me. LOL

[joecolts]

28 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

There is no way in Gods green earth that Freeland is going to beat out Smith for the RT position and force him to play guard.  We need to hope he can develop to be a good swing tackle in time.  That would be a win.

If Freeland plays to the level he is capable he absolutely could end up at RT and the Colts kick Smith into RG.  It’s not saying he outplayed Smith, it’s saying he’s capable of playing that spot and Smith is good enough to move inside.  Absolutely could play out that way. 

[richard pallo]

4 minutes ago, joecolts said:

If Freeland plays to the level he is capable he absolutely could end up at RT and the Colts kick Smith into RG.  It’s not saying he outplayed Smith, it’s saying he’s capable of playing that spot and Smith is good enough to move inside.  Absolutely could play out that way. 

Not happening.  He has to beat Smith out for the job.  All of the players we drafted are capable of playing the positions they played.  They wouldn’t have been drafted otherwise.  It’s competition.  Ballard always mentions that.  The best players play.  I don’t see him taking the spot away from Smith.  It’s more likely we acquire a veteran RG than moving Smith there.  

[joecolts]

2 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Not happening.  He has to beat Smith out for the job.  All of the players we drafted are capable of playing the positions they played.  They wouldn’t have been drafted otherwise.  It’s competition.  Ballard always mentions that.  The best players play.  I don’t see him taking the spot away from Smith.  It’s more likely we acquire a veteran RG than moving Smith there.  

I wouldn’t have a problem with them signing a RG in FA.  But my comments remain.  No where in my comments do I say the best player won’t play.  To the complete opposite end of that spectrum is where my comment fits.  If Freeland (like I initially said), plays well enough, he could move into the RT spot.  That would be in a perfect situation.  That would mean we solved two issues on the line.  Period.  

[richard pallo]

Just now, joecolts said:

I wouldn’t have a problem with them signing a RG in FA.  But my comments remain.  No where in my comments do I say the best player won’t play.  To the complete opposite end of that spectrum is where my comment fits.  If Freeland (like I initially said), plays well enough, he could move into the RT spot.  That would be in a perfect situation.  That would mean we solved two issues on the line.  Period.  

Fine.  I don’t see it happening.  Period.

[NewColtsFan]

7 minutes ago, joecolts said:

I wouldn’t have a problem with them signing a RG in FA.  But my comments remain.  No where in my comments do I say the best player won’t play.  To the complete opposite end of that spectrum is where my comment fits.  If Freeland (like I initially said), plays well enough, he could move into the RT spot.  That would be in a perfect situation.  That would mean we solved two issues on the line.  Period.  

For Freeland’s rookie year, I think the hope is that he can become the backup swing tackle.   He has experience at both spots.  
 

But I don’t think anyone is thinking he might play well enough to start at right tackle to move Smith inside.   Freeland needs at least a year of strength and conditioning plus NFL level coaching before he’s a starter.   
 

By the way, this is not my opinion.  These are the views of Ballard plus Colts scouts and personnel execs.   There are videos of them up on the website and they shared their thoughts on their draft picks.  

[joecolts]

4 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

For Freeland’s rookie year, I think the hope is that he can become the backup swing tackle.   He has experience at both spots.  
 

But I don’t think anyone is thinking he might play well enough to start at right tackle to move Smith inside.   Freeland needs at least a year of strength and conditioning plus NFL level coaching before he’s a starter.   
 

By the way, this is not my opinion.  These are the views of Ballard plus Colts scouts and personnel execs.   There are videos of them up on the website and they shared their thoughts on their draft picks.  

I’ve watched the same.  Don’t disagree with them, merely pointing out best case scenarios. 

[throwing BBZ]

18 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Not happening.  He has to beat Smith out for the job.  All of the players we drafted are capable of playing the positions they played.  They wouldn’t have been drafted otherwise.  It’s competition.  Ballard always mentions that.  The best players play.  I don’t see him taking the spot away from Smith.  It’s more likely we acquire a veteran RG than moving Smith there.  

 

 Actually he just has to prove he is capable of playing at a decent level.

Smith would have to prove he is good enough RG to justify the switch.

 The kid is going to need a lot of work to get there. One thing is Certain, they didn't draft all these tackles expecting Smith to remain one beyond this season.

[NewColtsFan]

23 minutes ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 Actually he just has to prove he is capable of playing at a decent level.

Smith would have to prove he is good enough RG to justify the switch.

 The kid is going to need a lot of work to get there. One thing is Certain, they didn't draft all these tackles expecting Smith to remain one beyond this season.

All these tackles?    Two.   Freeland in R4 and the kid in R7.    You think either of them is pushing out Smith any time soon? 

 

I do think Smith could eventually get pushed out next year.   The Colts finish with a bad record (likely) and the Colts draft an elite LT (there are two) Alt from ND, or the kid from Penn State.   Then Raimann could move to RT.   The Colts might kick Smith inside or they might trade him.  
 

But Freeland and the other kid are a long way from starting. 

[Fluke_33]

6 hours ago, stitches said:

Bottom Line:

Freeland is one of those anomalies you get every year with his tape and athletic testing not lining up at all. Freeland put up remarkable testing numbers, including a 40 time of fewer than five seconds and a record-setting vertical jump for OL of 37 inches. The tape presented a different story in that he did not play as a high-level athlete.

Coach that boy up!

[DougDew]

4 hours ago, richard pallo said:

There is no way in Gods green earth that Freeland is going to beat out Smith for the RT position and force him to play guard.  We need to hope he can develop to be a good swing tackle in time.  That would be a win.

That's not how it works.  Freeland doesn't have to beat out Smith.  Just like AR isn't going to beat out Minshew, but he'll start before he does.  

[jimmy g]

5 hours ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 

Smith would have to prove he is good enough RG to justify the switch.

 

I don’t see Smith losing his position, but- if the Colts can find a better RT, Smith was rated as the 2nd Best College OG when he was drafted. The only OG rated higher was Quentin Nelson. Smith never played RT until the Colts needed him to.  Basically, a lot like Will Fries; Fries started 35 games for Penn St at OT, and only 9 at Guard. He was drafted as a Tackle, and ended up at Guard because we had no one better.

[GoColts8818]

10 minutes ago, jimmy g said:

I don’t see Smith losing his position, but- if the Colts can find a better RT, Smith was rated as the 2nd Best College OG when he was drafted. The only OG rated higher was Quentin Nelson. Smith never played RT until the Colts needed him to.  Basically, a lot like Will Fries; Fries started 35 games for Penn St at OT, and only 9 at Guard. He was drafted as a Tackle, and ended up at Guard because we had no one better.

It’s going to be hard to find a better RT.  I don’t think some here realize how good Smith is at RT.  With that said, if he gets moved it will be out of need not because he lost it.  Just like the game they played him at RG last year.

[throwing BBZ]

19 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

It’s going to be hard to find a better RT.  I don’t think some here realize how good Smith is at RT.  With that said, if he gets moved it will be out of need not because he lost it.  Just like the game they played him at RG last year.

 

 He is Pro-Bowl caliber at drive blocking. But he will never earn a Pro Bowl spot. He is at best just above average with the rest of his abilities.

 And importantly, a detriment blocking in space, as in any kind of screen.

 

[AKB]

Do you guys think he is limited to swing tackle In training? 

 

Is it possible to play him at RG? Are there any taller guards like that in the league? 

 

Also raimann was a third round pick. I get that he has the experience gap from the one year prior, but at some point that could potentially be a position battle. 

 

I love competition on the team. I feel like it was lacking these last couple years. 

 

[jimmy g]

21 minutes ago, AustinnKaine said:

Do you guys think he is limited to swing tackle In training? 

 

Is it possible to play him at RG? Are there any taller guards like that in the league? 

 

Also raimann was a third round pick. I get that he has the experience gap from the one year prior, but at some point that could potentially be a position battle. 

 

I love competition on the team. I feel like it was lacking these last couple years. 

 

I doubt Freeman gains enough strength this year to be effective. He’s 6’8”/ 302 lbs.

, probably needs another 20 lbs? When he started his college career he was a 6’7”/ 190 lbs QB, much like Jelani Woods was. It’s amazing that he’s come as far as he has.  He’s an interesting find.

[jimmy g]

21 minutes ago, jimmy g said:

I doubt Freeman gains enough strength this year to be effective. He’s 6’8”/ 302 lbs.

, probably needs another 20 lbs? When he started his college career he was a 6’7”/ 190 lbs QB, much like Jelani Woods was. It’s amazing that he’s come as far as he has.  He’s an interesting find.

To add- Freeland was drafted because of his exceptional quickness and speed. If he adds weight, will he lose that quickness?  He may have reached his potential already?  I hope not, but we’ll see….