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ESPN's Ben Solak detailed how all 32 NFL teams can "crush" their picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Part of that equation for the Indianapolis Colts was landing one of these Day 2 offensive linemen.
Solak, of course, mentioned adding to the tight end position in the first round as one option for the Colts. He also added that with how well Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves played last season, he is fine not addressing the interior offensive line in the first round.
However, on Day 2, Solak would love for the Colts to add a guard/tackle swing player to the mix. This player could then either be the team's swing tackle off the bench and a potential long-term option at right tackle with Braden Smith in the final year of his deal, or this prospect could compete with Goncalves at right guard.
The two prospects that Solak believes would fit this mold are Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery and Purdue's Marcus Mbow.
"Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) moves and plays like a Chris Ballard offensive lineman, though he's likely just a tackle in Indianapolis' system," wrote Solak. "Marcus Mbow, who started his career at right guard at Purdue before moving to right tackle, has more of the positional versatility the Colts are looking for -- and he could be available in Round 3, whereas Ersery would be a Round 2 selection."
Understandably so, tight end is garnering much of the attention when it comes to the Colts, but Chris Ballard has to get the offensive line right. Regardless of how the quarterback competition shakes out, consistent success for the Colts' offense starts with good offensive line play. Without a steady run game to lean on or regular time in the pocket, I'm not sure much else matters.
Perhaps the Colts' starting five up front is already on the roster. However, the prudent move would be adding competition to the mix to provide the Colts with more options and ensure that no stone is left unturned, rather than assuming they have what they need.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Aireontae Ersery, Marcus Mbow Day 2 options for Colts
Continue reading...
Solak, of course, mentioned adding to the tight end position in the first round as one option for the Colts. He also added that with how well Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves played last season, he is fine not addressing the interior offensive line in the first round.
However, on Day 2, Solak would love for the Colts to add a guard/tackle swing player to the mix. This player could then either be the team's swing tackle off the bench and a potential long-term option at right tackle with Braden Smith in the final year of his deal, or this prospect could compete with Goncalves at right guard.
The two prospects that Solak believes would fit this mold are Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery and Purdue's Marcus Mbow.
"Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) moves and plays like a Chris Ballard offensive lineman, though he's likely just a tackle in Indianapolis' system," wrote Solak. "Marcus Mbow, who started his career at right guard at Purdue before moving to right tackle, has more of the positional versatility the Colts are looking for -- and he could be available in Round 3, whereas Ersery would be a Round 2 selection."
Understandably so, tight end is garnering much of the attention when it comes to the Colts, but Chris Ballard has to get the offensive line right. Regardless of how the quarterback competition shakes out, consistent success for the Colts' offense starts with good offensive line play. Without a steady run game to lean on or regular time in the pocket, I'm not sure much else matters.
Perhaps the Colts' starting five up front is already on the roster. However, the prudent move would be adding competition to the mix to provide the Colts with more options and ensure that no stone is left unturned, rather than assuming they have what they need.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Aireontae Ersery, Marcus Mbow Day 2 options for Colts
Continue reading...
