Colts draft pick generating concern with poor preseason play

With a stout starting offensive line, the Indianapolis Colts have an eye on the depth pieces competing for roles throughout the preseason.

An under-the-radar training camp battle has been for the swing tackle role between second-year player Blake Freeland and rookie Matt Goncalves.

There was a hope that there would be development by Freeland under Tony Sparano Jr., similar to Will Fries of last year. This was especially true considering the rough rookie season Freeland endured.

That has not been the case.

Freeland has been very unimpressive through the first two preseason games. He is constantly getting beat on reps, allowing quick pressure on the quarterback.

Considering Braden Smith’s injury history, swing tackle is an important spot on this roster for the 2024 season.

Goncalves looks like the better option if Smith has to miss any time but what if Bernhard Raimann does as well?

Freeland has been working as the second-team left tackle. We have yet to see Goncalves get reps at left tackle in preseason games, but he does have experience playing the position from his days at the University of Pittsburgh.

If Freeland can’t rebound on Thursday night, there will be a question if he is on the 53-man roster come Aug. 27.

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