With the arrival of training camp exactly one month away, we continue our previews for the Indianapolis Colts offensive line highlighting one of the more versatile players in the unit.
Name: Joe Haeg
Position: G/T
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 305
Age: 26
Year Drafted: 2016 (fifth round)
Background
As a part of an effort to revamp the offensive line, the Colts selected Haeg in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. He was one of four offensive linemen taken by the Colts that year.
Since arriving in 2016, Haeg has been a versatile piece to the Colts offense. He’s worked both as an offensive tackle while also seeing time on the interior. During his rookie season, he started 14 games across three different positions.
He’s taken more of a reserve role with the Colts new offensive line. He played just eight games (six starts) in 2018 while playing the seventh-most snaps among offensive linemen (32.3%).
2019 Outlook
If all goes according to plan, the Colts will already have their starting offensive line set from the 2018 season. This would leave Haeg in another year working as a swing tackle or backup guard.
The Colts have liked Haeg’s skill set—even since Chris Ballard took over as general manager—and his spot should be safe on the roster given that Indy likes to carry 10 offensive linemen on the roster.
Haeg will likely battle with Le’Raven Clark, J’Marcus Webb, Antonio Garcia and rookie Jackson Barton for the depth roles on the offensive line, but his versatility gives him somewhat of an advantage.
Bottom Line
The Colts are still working through their depth on the offensive line. They value versatility and consistency as prerequisites for that type of role. Haeg has that in his game already and should be looking to secure a roster spot during training camp and the preseason games.
