The Indianapolis Colts offensive line is a unit that many expect to be one of the best in the league during the 2019 season. Among the players that have a strong chance of helping it succeed is right tackle Braden Smith.
Settling in as the team’s right tackle this offseason, Smith has earned nothing but high praise from head coach Frank Reich. That continued this week as the Colts wrapped up OTAs and now begin looking toward minicamp.
“It’s a big progression. I watch what he’s doing right now and am really impressed with him,” Reich told reporters this week. “I love everything about Braden. I love his approach. He’s mentally as tough of a person you want to be around. This guy wants to be coached hard, owns his mistake when he makes a rare mistake – physically or mentally he owns it.”
Despite being drafted as a guard, Smith was forced to start at right tackle for the Colts’ prime-time matchup in Week 5 against the New England Patriots after a rash of injuries hit the entire team.
Smith did so well that night, the Colts decided to see how long he could have an impact on the edge. It wound up lasting the whole season—and now he’s the starting right tackle.
There are technical improvements Smith has to make in order to be more consistent, which is why bringing in Chris Strausser and Howard Mudd are perfect for the 23-year-old’s development.
“This guy is a model of the way we want to work. And then just the way his technique has continued to improve playing that position rep after rep after rep,” Reich said. “We make a few adjustments with new offensive line coaches. I think he’s fitting into that very well. I just think the arrow is continuing to be big time up for Braden.”
The Colts have a solid core of young players along the offensive line. Smith will continue to be one of those impact players, especially if he is able to develop his technique throughout the coming years.
