The Indianapolis Colts finally added to the offensive line on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft, using the No. 106 overall pick on BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland.
With Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith expected to be the starting duo at the tackle positions, the Colts potentially got a swing tackle with upside to begin the fourth round of the draft.
Here’s our instant analysis of the pick:
How this pick helps the Colts
The Colts needed to add depth to the offensive tackle positions in the worst way. While Raimann and Smith provide a solid duo, there was no depth whatsoever behind them. Freeland is a project, and he’s still developing as a player, but his movement skills and size are elite traits.
What this pick means for offense
Freeland should provide some intriguing depth for the position as a swing tackle, but it shouldn’t stop the Colts from adding a veteran or even another upside prospect later on Day 3. The only other offensive tackles on the roster are Jordan Murray and Carter O’Donnell, neither of which have played in an NFL game.
How he will be used
Outside of his elite athleticism, the strong selling point in Freeland’s profile is his versatility. He started his career as the starting right tackle for the first two seasons at BYU and finished his final two seasons as the starting left tackle. Having that experience is crucial for the role of swing tackle, which is likely where Freeland is headed.
Scouting Report
Here’s a scouting report on Freeland from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who gave him a Round 3 grade:
A sky-scraping tackle prospect with outstanding length and good fluidity, Freeland should get much stronger with time in an NFL weight room. He is an effort-based run blocker who has to really crank up the work rate and technique to try to overcome his leverage disadvantages due to his height. He plays with decent technique in protection and does a nice job of battling through adversity inside the rep. However, he might lack the bend and range to get out and redirect speedy edge-benders. Freeland is an unfinished product with a modest ceiling as a pro.
Quick grade
Freeland is a project at the offensive tackle position. He possesses elite athletic traits but is still learning the nuances of the position—he was a quarterback, tight end and defensive end in high school. The Colts will need to be patient with his development, but the athletic traits and character are worth a selection on Day 3 considering his upside. We just probably won’t know how this pick turns out until a few years down the road.
Grade: C+
