Colts’ training camp roster preview: OL Will Fries

Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.

Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.

I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is interior offensive lineman Will Fries. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.

2023 Season Review

Fries was a seventh-round pick by the Colts in 2021 and after seeing 642 snaps during the 2022 season, he was the Week 1 starter at right guard this past year.

On the season, Fries would allow four sacks and 30 pressures. Among 82 eligible guards, Fries would rank in the top half of the league in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric at 28th and in run-blocking grade at 38th overall.

“Thought I played some good ball, played against some good players,” Fries said via the Indy Star. “It really told me a lot about what I need to focus on coming into this year, where my deficiencies were and where I could get better.”

As did the rest of the Colts offensive line, which as a unit finished top 10 in yards per carry and pressure rate, Fries benefitted from working with first year offensive line coach Tony Sparano and playing in Shane Steichen’s offense, helping him take a big developmental step forward this past year.

“I think it starts with strength, improving my overall strength level, putting a lot of time in the weight room and getting stronger, and then have a little more mobility,” Fries said. “Those two things helped me a lot.”

Brandon Thorn from “Establish the Run,” and one of the best analysts when it comes to evaluating offensive line play, would call Fries a “legit good starter” when highlighting his play from 2023.

The Colts found a gem in round 7 with Will Fries, who has been a legit good starter all season this year.

STRAIN & FINISH x 4 pic.twitter.com/YktxPxon1R

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 4, 2023

2024 Season Preview

The Colts added some competition at guard during the draft, selecting Tanor Bortolini, who the team believes can play all three interior positions, as well as Matt Goncalves, who played tackle in college but the Colts see him as someone who can play inside as well.

However, this starting right guard position still belongs to Fries. Obviously, things can change, but the additions of Bortolini and Goncalves were likely more so made with the future in mind, as Fries is currently set to be free agents in 2025.

Fries will be entering his fourth season with the team and third where he’s seeing significant playing time. The next step for him is to continue developing, specifically remaining consistent from week-to-week.

“It’s no secret,” center Ryan Kelly said via the Indy Star. “He’s put the work in. … He’s a very detail-oriented guy who works his tail off during the offseason, during the season, to get better.”