Colts rookie Blake Freeland has already been elevated into significant role
The Indianapolis Colts are banking on its 2023 NFL Draft class to set a solid foundation for first-year head coach Shane Steichen. Indianapolis addressed big needs and added quality talent during Steichen's first draft. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is the obvious headliner after being selected in the first-round. Second-round pick Julius Brents and third-rounder Josh Downs […]
The Indianapolis Colts are banking on its 2023 NFL Draft class to set a solid foundation for first-year head coach Shane Steichen. Indianapolis addressed big needs and added quality talent during Steichen's first draft.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson is the obvious headliner after being selected in the first-round. Second-round pick Julius Brents and third-rounder Josh Downs are also promising prospects that play exciting positions at corner and receiver.
But there has been a different rookie that has already been elevated into a significant role early on this offseason. Offensive tackle Blake Freeland practiced with the starting group during practices this week.
Freeland was selected early in the fourth-round of April's NFL Draft. A highly athletic prospect out of BYU, Freeland features some exciting developmental traits for Steichen and staff to mold and develop.
With starting tackle Braden Smith out of OTAs, it was Freeland that stepped up to the plate. The 6-foot-8 lineman flashed in the role and even caught the attention of Steichen during the practice.
“Freeland is a big, powerful man,” Steichen said of the rookie on Thursday. “Just to get him in there — athletic, he can move. … It’s still early, but he’s a smart player, understands the game, takes coaching well.”
Indianapolis desperately needs its offensive line to be healthy and playing well for Anthony Richardson. The Colts were hit by the injury bug up front last season, and there were struggles as a result.
The NFL is often won in the trenches. Therefore, it is critical to not only have talent in the starting group but to also have depth behind them. Freeland is getting early opportunities to showcase what he can do when his number is called.
So far, the early returns appear to be positive for the rookie lineman. Indianapolis spent the No. 104 overall selection in the draft on the BYU lineman, and that might prove to be much more valuable than initially thought to be.
