Colts' Bernhard Raimann, Braden Smith ranked among CBS Sports' top 20 OTs

Indianapolis Colts’ left tackle Bernhard Raimann and right tackle Braden Smith made an appearance on CBS Sports’ ranking of the top 20 offensive tackles entering the 2024 season.

Smith would come in at No. 10 on the list and Raimann at No. 14. The Philadelphia Eagles were the only other team to have both their tackles ranked in the top 14.

Smith would deal with lingering injuries last season that limited him to only 10 games. However, despite never quite being at 100 percent, Smith continued to play at a high level.

When starting, Smith didn’t surrender any sacks in 2023 and ranked sixth among all tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric. With Smith, the Colts’ offense averaged 4.6 yards per carry but only 3.9 yards per rush when they were without him.

Smith underwent “successful” offseason knee surgery that has him in a “better spot” heading into the upcoming season. Smith was not on the practice field during offseason programs, and a timeline for his return hasn’t been specified.

“Coming out of the offseason, had successful surgery,” said Smith during OTAs. “Had some stuff, you know, did some rehab this offseason, feel like I’m in a pretty good spot. Strength is coming back. Just making sure I can get through the season healthy and make sure we’re being smart with things.”

After a strong rookie season from Raimann in 2022, he made another significant jump during his sophomore NFL season. Raimann would give up four sacks and 34 pressures, ranking 20th in pass-blocking efficiency and 12th in run-blocking grade out of 50 eligible tackles.

The experience gained over the last two seasons has played a crucial role in Raimann’s growth, and there is the opportunity to make another developmental leap this season. PFF had Raimann as a member of their All-Breakout team for the 2024 season.

In addition to that experience allowing Raimann to get comfortable with his role, the continuity along the offensive line and his outstanding work ethic have been two other key contributors to his growth.

“One of the hardest working guys I’ve been around,” said Ryan Kelly during minicamp. “I think truly that left tackle position I think, above and beyond everybody else, can be a little detailed, micro-oriented.

“I think for him, what he’s really trusting is his athletic ability, which is a big thing for him. He hasn’t played football since he was a little kid, so it’s been a short time compared to most.”

In addition to Smith and Raimann returning, the Colts will have their entire starting five along the offensive line back this season. Not only at the tackle position but as a collective group, the Colts are expected to have one of the best offensive line units in football.