The Indianapolis Colts are just under two weeks away from the start of the 2023 NFL draft where they’ll be looking to add talent and depth to the roster.
While the roster on paper features two starters at the offensive tackle positions in Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, the Colts likely will enter the draft looking to add some depth and competition to the room. It may come closer to selections later on Day 2 or more likely on Day 3, but the need is there.
It also wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts added a veteran offensive tackle through free agency ahead of the draft just to bring in some extra competition to the room. As it currently stands, they only have four offensive tackles on the roster in Raimann, Smith, Jordan Murray and Carter O’Donnell.
Following this series of articles, we’ve also looked at these positions:
We’ll be tracking the Colts’ reported interest in the 2023 draft class so be sure to keep up with latest updates via our tracker.
Here’s a look at offensive tackle prospects who fits the Colts in each round of the draft:
Round 1
Best prospect fit: Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
Selections in this round (1): No. 4
The Colts wouldn’t take Johnson with the No. 4 pick because they likely could trade back, add some picks, and still have the chance to select him. It’s unlikely this scenario unfolds, but Johnson best fits the bill as a prospect fit in the first round. He has the size, length and athleticism that teams will covet in a cornerstone left tackle, and he has an extremely high ceiling once he refines his technique, specifically with consistent hand placement and strike points.
Round 2
Best prospect fit: Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Selections in this round (1): No. 35
The Colts have shown a lot of interest in Jones throughout the pre-draft process to the point where he even attended their local pro day. Jones is a massive tackle at 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms. He moves well for his size and would fit right in with the zone-blocking Shane Steichen is bringing over. While pad level will naturally be an issue, Jones has immense upside at right tackle.
Round 3
Best prospect fit: Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
Selections in this round (1): No. 79
Though some may have Saldiveri projected as a prospect who will kick inside, he has the movement skills and mentality to compete for a starting spot on the edge. The fifth-year senior is a bit older as a prospect, but he has great footwork and the athleticism to mold into a better player. There are some areas to clean up like consistent hand placement and anchoring against power rushes, but he’s intriguing as a prospect who also could provide versatility at other spots.
Round 4
Best prospect fit: Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
Selections in this round (1): No. 106
Morris is likely to be a Day 3 pick, but he brings intriguing size, length and athleticism to the offensive tackle position. He’s worked on both sides of the line during his time at Tennessee and Oklahoma. He would be a traits pick considering his inconsistent technique as a pass protector, but there is upside for him to be a swing tackle if he gets more consistent in that area.
Round 5
Best prospect fit: Blake Freeland, BYU
Selections in this round (3): Nos. 138, 162, 176
Freeland started over 40 games during his career at BYU both at left and right tackle. That versatility will go a long way for teams looking to draft a potential swing tackle on Day 3. Freeland also brings admirable size, length and athleticism to the position will be intriguing as a developmental prospect. He’s a work in progress when it comes to consistent technique, and he may need to add a bit more to his frame at the next level. But he’s the type of Day 3 prospect who can make the jump.
Round 6
The Colts currently don’t have a selection in the sixth round of the draft.
Round 7
Best prospect fit: Jake Witt, Northern Michigan
Selections in this round (2): Nos. 221, 236
Witt is the epitome of a project. He has only 13 starts at offensive tackle in his career, but he has intriguing size and athleticism for the position. He’s only faced Division-II competition so teams may hold off using a draft pick on him, but if the Colts believed they could develop him into a depth tackle, they could ensure his spot by using a seventh-round pick.
