The Indianapolis Colts hired two new faces to help develop this offensive line this offseason with a focus more on technique and fundamentals.
Despite being drafted as a guard in the second round of the 2018 draft, Braden Smith solidified himself as the starter at right tackle. Entering his second season, the focus is now on refining his technique on the edge.
“Yeah, I mean just having a good understanding of the offense now – instead of like focusing on the big picture, you can focus on the finer details now with more technique and smaller things,” Smith told reporters Thursday.
The Auburn product was thought to be the eventual successor to Matt Slauson at right guard. However, a slew of injuries across the offensive line forced the Colts to plug in Smith at right tackle during the Week 5 prime-time matchup with the New England Patriots.
Smith excelled during the game and gave the Colts enough confidence to keep him there as the season continued. He eventually proved to be the right person for the job en route to starting the final 15 games of the Colts’ season, including the playoffs.
The Colts liked Smith’s athleticism coming out of the draft, and his developed strength from previously being a guard helped him anchor the edge in pass protection.
Of course, Smith will be focusing on where he can improve during his second season. That likely comes in the form of refining his technique, especially when it comes to his punch at the point of attack.
The Colts are giving Smith the chance to continue starting at the right tackle position rather than moving him back inside to guard and if he’s able to make improvements as a technician, the entire offense will benefit.
