Staying with the offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts, we continue our training camp previews looking at the anchor of the unit.
Name: Ryan Kelly
Position: C
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 304
Age: 26
Year Drafted: 2016 (first round)
Background
Selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Kelly was brought in to be the anchor of an offensive line that struggled to protect its franchise quarterback. Since then, Kelly has solidified himself as the anchor and found himself playing at a Pro Bowl level in 2018.
Kelly was a starter from the first day he arrived but has dealt with some injuries along the way. He played only seven games in 2017 dealing with a foot injury, and his 2018 season saw him deal with a plethora of ailments during the second half.
Still, Kelly has solidified himself as one of the most important players on the offensive line and a perfect pairing with quarterback Andrew Luck.
2019 Outlook
With full health entering training camp, Kelly will return as the starting center of an offensive line that is expected to be one of the best units in the NFL. His production has never truly been a problem to this point. It has simply been a question of health over the past two seasons.
The Colts picked up Kelly’s fifth-year option, which means he’s under contract through the 2020 season. While an extension is certainly likely, he has to prove in 2019 that he can stay healthy. If he can do that, he would be in serious consideration for his first Pro Bowl selection.
Bottom Line
The Colts will be returning their starting offensive line to begin the season, which will include Kelly as the anchor at center. If he can stay healthy, it should be another fruitful campaign for the entire offensive unit.
