[BlueStampede]

Originally Posted by sherck

1. I was happy with the Nelson pick at #6. I wanted the O-line fixed.

2. I have not been nervious at all about his progress this season even when he was "rag dolled" a couple of times in pre-season and early in the regular season. I know that even though he was an outstanding prospect, NFL rookies often get schooled by veterans. That is how they become better.

3. And better he has become. He is rarely out of position now, rarely beat and oftent he one delivering the punishment instead. Playing like a veteran halfway into the season.

4. I was also thrilled with the signing of Smith whom I wanted pre-draft as well as the signing of Slausson. I was less excited about the pick-up of Glowinski and, obviously, he has bloomed beyond all previously shown talent level in the Colts system.

5. We are now in 2nd place with the fewest sacks allowed with 10 on the season. NO leads the league with 9 sacks given up. The 154 yards rushing we have averaged over the past 4 games would lead the league if sustained for a whole season.

6. Opponents of the pick said that an OG could not impact a game enough to warrent the #6 pick. See bullet #5 above and then think about our O-Line last year. Hmmmm.......

7. Good golly I hope these kids can stay healthy and gel even further as a group. They have a chance to become a pretty special O-line if these last 4 games is any indication.

8. O-Line free agents:

2019:

OG Mark Glowinski - Priority re-sign at NFL starter pay

OT J'Marcus Webb - Sign to solid depth contract. Liked him before injury

OT Denzelle Good - Okay with a solid depth contract but he is never healthy

Do not re-sign: Slauson (too old) and Boehm (who?).

2020:

OT Anthony Castonzo - Will be 32 at time of re-signing. As long as he is playing well, a 3 year starter level contract would be good but I would not sign him longer and we need to have a heir apperant waiting in the wings.

OG/T Joe Haeg - Re-sign to a good depth contract. Is always ready to fill in and give quality minutes

OT Le'Raven Clark - Pretty much a must re-sign as long as he continues to progress. He might be the LT heir apperant or he might just be depth but he showed this season that he can be trusted to hold down one of the OT slots.

2021:
OC Ryan Kelly - Priority Re-sign if he continues to progress.

2022:
OT Braden Smith - Priority Re-sign if he continues to progress.

2023:
OG Quinton Nelson (5th year option) - Priority re-sign even if he stays exactly like he is now (which he won't)

We are in GREAT shape in that we only have one current O-line starter coming up each year for a new contact. We don't really have to pick "either/or" on whom to sign.

We also have good depth in Clark, Haeg, Webb and Good whom have all shown starter level potential at one time or another.

I would still maintain that we need to draft an O-lineman each and every year but now none before the 3rd round unless we think they are starter LT material and have dropped well below their expected draft position for one reason or another.

Lets keep this rolling, Ballard!

Walk Worthy,

I'll be honest, I haven't followed the Colts or ND as much as I used to for the last few years. Most of that stuff you wrote is over my head now. Life has changed for me overseas in Japan and don't have the time to watch much anymore. Always a Colts/Irish fan, but much more casually these days. It's good to see some old familiar "faces" and hope you're all doing well. I'll never forget some of the heated conversations we used to have. Good times.

It's nice to see Luck has an O-line that's protecting him now. He could be great with protection. I loved Nelson's fire at ND and now with the Colts. It's fun watching his highlights.

I'll try to stop by more. Take it easy.

Go Colts!

Go Irish!