ESPN’s Matt Bowen constructed his list of the top 50 free agents this offseason and included were two members of the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line: Will Fries and Ryan Kelly.
Fries would come in at No. 19 on this list. Unfortunately, Fries’ 2024 season ended in Week 5 due to a tibia injury. However, before then, among all guards, he ranked fourth in PFF’s run-blocking grade and 10th in pass-blocking grade.
“He might lack high-end traits, but the tape tells us he can upgrade the interior of an offensive front,” wrote Bowen. “He has a fundamentally sound play style, the lower-body mobility to handle power rushers and an ability to sustain blocks on contact.”
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler also provided a free agency update on Fries, specifically what his market might look like.
Then at No. 45 on Bowen’s list was Kelly. Working through a neck injury early in the year and then being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, Kelly played only 10 games in 2024, but as he has throughout his career, he was effective when on the field.
As Bowen notes, Kelly ranked sixth among centers in ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric. According to PFF’s metrics, Jonathan Taylor averaged 5.0 yards per rush when running to the direct right or left of the center.
“An on-the-field leader with excellent football awareness,” said Bowen. “Plus, he plays with a physical demeanor to constantly win in the run game.”
Given the lack of proven depth at the guard position currently under contract for the 2025 season, while the Colts do need to explore bringing in outside competition to bolster the roster, re-signing Fries seems like it should be a priority.
But when it comes to Kelly, the lack of extension talks over the last 12 months coupled with Tanor Bortolini and his play when called upon as a rookie makes it seem like Kelly will be playing elsewhere in 2025.
