The Indianapolis Colts have entered a bit of a reset year in 2023. The team has an eye toward the future, as a new era is upon the franchise with Shane Steichen taking over as head coach. With a new scheme being implemented, the player personnel will be changing as well.
The biggest change, eventually, will be the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, quarterback Anthony Richardson, taking over the offense. The Florida product is considered a raw prospect that has some development to do before getting on the field. But, there is no denying the immense potential that he possesses with his elite combination of size, skill and athleticism.
If the Colts want to make his transition from the collegiate ranks as easy as possible, they will surround him with as much talent as possible. While many people take that as upgrading the weapons around him, the most important thing to a young quarterback finding success is a good offensive line.
It is hard enough learning on the fly in the NFL. If you have to do it while constantly being under siege because the offensive line cannot hold up in the trenches, it makes things that much more difficult. Richardson has enough to focus on without worrying about dropping his eyes and becoming gun-shy because the offensive line gave up so much pressure.
To avoid that, the Colts should look to add another piece to their offensive line mix. Brad Spielberger of PFF has suggested that as the one move Indianapolis has to make before training camp. Veteran Gabe Jackson was one player Spielberger mentioned for the team to target.
“Jackson is coming off the two lowest-graded seasons of his career but was a model of consistency through his first seven NFL campaigns in Las Vegas. A 69.9 pass-blocking grade in 2020 was the worst of his run. Perhaps he can play some better football in a reserve capacity as opposed to preparing each week to be a starter.
Indianapolis started Will Fries down the stretch in 2022, and he earned a 44.4 pass-blocking grade with 15 quarterback hurries allowed — among the most at the position over the span. It will never be a bad idea to add some offensive line depth for new franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson.”
The sample size from Will Fries at the end of the 2022 season could be enough for the Colts to look elsewhere for answers on the interior of their offensive line. A 44.4 pass-blocking grade is very poor, emphasized by the amount of pressure that he allowed.
If Richardson steps into the starting lineup, they are setting him up for failure with a hole like that in the unit blocking for him. At the very least, Jackson can provide insurance behind Fries, showing him the ropes and helping him get his game back on track.
If Jackson was to enter the lineup, at least the Colts know that he has had very productive seasons in the past. While the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks have been a struggle, a part-time role like Spielberger suggested could be something the nine-year veteran is better suited for at this point in his career.
