The Indianapolis Colts began the third day of the 2023 NFL draft with a plethora of picks.
They would use the first pick of the day at a position in need of both competition and depth. With the No. 106 pick, the Colts selected offensive tackle Blake Freeland out of BYU.
Freeland should get an opportunity to compete for snaps early in his career on the blindside, and at worse settle in as a depth option while he develops.
Here are four things to know about the newest addition up front for the Colts offense in Freeland:
1
Four-year starter at BYU
Freeland was a four-year starter for the Cougars from 2019-2022 with 41 starts in 44 games played. Was one of only three players to play in, and start all 13 games for BYU doing the same in 2021.
He also has experience at the other tackle spot on the right side. As a true freshman in 2019, Freeland lined up at right tackle for the final seven games of the season.
Freeland was named a team captain in 2022, and he was voted a third-team All-American that same year.
2
Acceled at many sports
Blake Freeland didn’t just make a name for himself on the football field. He also found success in his other athletic endeavors.
Freeland was a six-time All-State in track and field, as well as All-State in basketball back in 2018.
Freeland was also named a two-time captain in basketball.
Blake also holds the 6A state record in javelin, and was a state champion in the shot put as well.
3
Great Size and Athletic Traits
Freeland showed at the NFL scouting combine why the Colts bet on him in the fourth round.
The 6-foot-8 and 305-pound tackle ran a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, and he added a 37-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot broad jump, and a 7.46-second three-cone drill.
While Freeland did struggle in one on one drills at the Senior Bowl, he will have time to grow and develop to possibly help get the Colts offensive line back into top form.
4
Still developing at OT
While Freeland was a four-year starter at BYU on both sides of the offensive line, he didn’t start playing offensive line until he reached college. In high school, he played quarterback, tight end and defensive line.
