DRAFT DAY 2 Thread

[Coltsalr]

Originally Posted by HoosierinFL

I'm fairly happy with the draft so far. Has there been a huge impact? I dunno, define huge. I think any concerns over the o-line should be quelled at this point.
Nelson is an immediate starter at LG, and anchored between Kelly and Castonzo, the left side will be a strength.
Smith will be the RT. He has the length and footwork to play that position, and he would have been the RT at Auburn except injuries to other players forced him to play the RG spot. So we just need either Mewhort, Slauson, Goode, Haeg or Clark step up to play that spot, the rest provide pretty decent depth.
On that point, this looks like a good line: Castonzo, Nelson, Kelly, Slauson, Smith.
That's a pretty massive revamp over last year's line.
Also, here's a good writeup on Smith from a few months ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/NFL_Draft/c...ith_ol_auburn/

Also Mathis seems to have been scouting Turay and is really high on him.

That’s what I had thought about Braden Smith but it seems like they see him more as the RG:

So, a day after taking Quenton Nelson sixth overall – a lock for the left guard spot come Week 1 – Ballard went guard again in Round 2, grabbing Smith 37th overall. He’s doubling down on the interior of his offensive line, resolute to keep Andrew Luck upright for the foreseeable future.

“We wanted to make sure we upped the competition level on the offensive line, and I think we did that, no question,” Ballard said. “We think (Smith) will be a heck of a player for us long term. Pairing him with Nelson will provide depth of pocket and really help our run game.”

Suddenly, the list of guards on the Colts’ roster is crowded. And that’s how they want it. Smith figures to compete with Jack Mewhort and new signee Matt Slauson for the starting right guard spot.

“It’s about competition,” coach Frank Reich said Friday night. “My experience is you’re not looking for five starters, you’re looking for 8-9 starters. You’re looking for depth. You’re looking for competition.”

They’ll get that. Smith figures to be in the fold for some time.