Colts position review: OL showed legit progress, but work remains – Indianapolis Star

The Indianapolis Colts used a lot of offensive linemen in 2016. Here's where they stand heading into the offseason. Scott Horner/Wochit

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78),right, and Indianapolis Colts Joe Haeg (73) drops back in protection during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at Lucas Oil Stadium.(Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar)

INDIANAPOLIS It feels as if more ink and airtime have been devoted to the Indianapolis Colts offensive line than any other aspect of the team in recent years.

With each hit absorbed by quarterback Andrew Luck, the conversation inevitably turned to the lack of reliable protection up front. And with each failure of the running game, scrutiny of the run blocking only increased.

The 2016 season wasnt much different. But the attention came for slightly different reasons. After the Colts went all-in and drafted four offensive linemen last year, they began making gradual progress in this long-maligned unit. But those gains were incremental. The job is far fromcomplete.

And that means print and airtime will continue to be dedicated to this group. Lets take a took back at how last season went for the offensive line and consider whats next for this critical position group.

HOW IT WENT

It wasnt a masterpiece. And the offensive line was still the subject of much (warranted) criticism. But, overall, we saw more measurable progress in this unit than at any other time in the five seasons under coach Chuck Pagano.

Anthony Castonzo gave the Colts some reason for concern with too much up-and-down play from the all-important left tackle spot. But, to his credit, Castonzo's play stabilized late in the season. Left guard Jack Mewhort had an impressive season, and is clearly a fixture for years to come. Rookie Ryan Kelly seamlessly took over at center, solving a problem at a position that had long been an issue. The right side continued to be in some flux. Joe Haeg, Denzelle Good, Joe Reitz and LeRaven Clark all took turns in the starting lineup at right guard or right tackle, but thats still going to have to be sorted out this summer.

Pass protection was still inconsistent. Luck matched a career high with 41 sacks, but dont put that all on the line. The deep balls Luck prefers and his tendency to hold onto the football a bit too long certainly contributed. However, the run blocking was better than its been in a long time. That is clearly a strength of this unit and a reason Frank Gore became the first Colts back since 2007 to surpass 1,000 yards in a season.

Overall, things seem to be looking up for the first time in a long time for the Colts offensive line.

WHAT WE LEARNED

The biggest offensive line lesson of 2016 was this: Building a unit takes time and patience. If you thought the draft haul of linemen was going to equate to an instant fix, you got suckered.

The offensive line is a position that requires one of the longest periods ofdevelopment for young players. Things simply happen too fast and with too much complexity. Then theres the stark differences between college and pro offenses, something that impacts offensive linemen more than most other position players.

There was no better example than the development of Clark, who went from utterly embarrassing in the preseason to representing himself well when starting the final three games of the regular season.

The rookies were raw and that includes first-round pick Kelly but the experience they got last season will prove invaluable. They played through those rough patches and with that will come learning experiences they would not have gained on the bench.

Another lesson from 2016: Mewhort is a cut above everyone else in this unit. He established himself as the line'sbest player, making him someone the Colts should at least consider giving a contract extension this spring. Mewhorts contract expires after the coming season.

One final takeaway: Coaching matters. The addition of Joe Philbin as assistant head coach and offensive line coach was a strong move by Pagano, and it paid huge dividends.

WHATS NEXT The key is continued development. If Philbin continues to work his magic, the Colts will continue to benefit. The foremost challenge is to find a suitable starting lineup on the right side. The Colts, ideally, need to find a position where Haeg can settle in (he started at three different spots last season). Thats the only way theyre going to truly find out what kind of player he is. They also must decide whether Good and Clark are long-term starters.

Something else worth watching is the performance of Castonzo. Language in his contract has already triggered a guarantee on an $8 million bonus that is to be paid next month. So, Castonzo isnt going anywhere for now. But if he doesnt show more consistency in 2017, the Colts are going to have to start thinking about long-term options at left tackle. Thats the last thing anyone wants seeing how things are just starting to come together.

Follow IndyStar reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.

One in an occasional series on Colts positionreviews.

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Colts position review: OL showed legit progress, but work remains - Indianapolis Star