It wasn’t very long ago that the Indianapolis Colts had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They were one of the most dominant units in both pass and run blocking, but their performance has slipped in recent seasons.
Some of that can be blamed on the quarterback situation, as immobile quarterbacks will sometimes lead to lessened performances along the line. Injuries also played a part, but the unit is looking to get back on track in 2023.
They have the No. 10 ranked offensive line heading into the 2023 season per Sam Monson of PFF, anchored by star left guard Quenton Nelson. A bounceback is expected from him after he allowed five sacks during the 2022 season; he had allowed only four in his first four seasons in the NFL.
Rounding out the unit are left tackle Bernhard Raimann, center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries and right tackle Braden Smith. While that group looks ready to go heading into the 2023 season, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to continue adding some depth to the mix.
That is exactly what the Colts are considering, as they have brought in an intriguing free agent offensive lineman for a workout. Jesse Davis, who spent the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been brought in for a workout in Indianapolis during training camp.
Davis played in 14 games with the Steelers last season, providing the team with a solid depth option. The need never arose for him to step onto the field offensively, as he was used exclusively on special teams last season.
Prior to that, however, Davis did start 72 out of the 80 games that he played with the Miami Dolphins in five years. That kind of experience would be valuable to any depth chart, let alone the Colts. Making him an even more intriguing option is the fact that he offers excellent versatility.
Davis has started games at both guard and tackle and would provide the Colts with excellent versatility off the bench. Should a need arise anywhere along the offensive line, he would provide head coach Shane Steichen the option to plug him anywhere into the lineup.
