The Indianapolis Colts recently signed veteran offensive lineman Dennis Kelly.
Kelly returned to the state of Husqvarna, where he spent his college days with Purdue boilermakers.
He will extend Indy’s offensive line, which has become hot and cold in recent years.
Dennis Kelly will add more depth to the Colts in the offensive tackle pic.twitter.com/5IFVT8qPUV
– Colts NationCP (olColtsNationCP) May 11, 2022
The Colts offensive linemen were adept at the run-blocking game – they helped Jonathan Taylor rack up in 2021 at the league-leading 1,811 racing yard.
The PFF, on the other hand, ranked Indy’s offensive line 30th in terms of pass-blocking skills last season.
Kelly should help with that.
Kelly’s addition strengthens the competition for the final offensive lineman roster spot between Jordan Murray, Brandon Kemp and undefeated rookie free agent Ryan Van DeMark.
Let’s take a closer look at what Kelly Colts brings to the table.
He brought a lot of experience and versatility to Indy’s offensive line
He is entering his 11th NFL season – his experience should be rubbed off on Colts’ young attacking linemen, especially Rocky Austrian tackle Bernhard Riemann.
Not only that, Kelly has proved his versatility over the years – he can play either tackle position for the Colts.
Left tackle became a huge priority for Colts GM Chris Ballard after the indie veteran Eric Fisher was released in the offseason.
On that note, there should be no rumors of Kelly’s acquisition and possible signing of Dwayne Brown’s rest for Ryman’s draft.
Although Ryman has a lot of ups and downs, he was an offensive lineman for only two years in his days with the Central Michigan Chippewas.
Although he is likely to start with a left-handed tackle, Colts head coach Frank Reich could choose Kelly or Matt Pryor to do the honors if he thinks Raiman needs more experience.
A Colts offensive line consisting of Dennis Kelly, Quinton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter and Braden Smith certainly looks good on paper.
However, if Reich chooses to start Ryman, Kelly provides the much-needed depth in the left tackle.
“I heard I’ll get the first crack in it.” – Colts lineman Matt Prior in open left tackle position.
Others who could fight for a starting spot to replace Eric Fisher are: Rookie Bernhard Riemann and newly signed Dennis Kelly.
There should be good competition in the camp.
– Zak Keefer (zkeefer) May 11, 2022
Kelio can play behind Smith on the right tackle.
Either way, Indy’s restructured O-line will help Taylor get back to where he left off last season.
They should also help defend the new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan.
The Colts’ offensive line did not live up to expectations in last season’s pass defense game.
Holding Indy’s O-line with Kelly and Dhumdham Rainman, they should move on to that division.
Dennis Kelly is a solid addition to the horse bed
The Colts’ offensive line looks strong with the inclusion of experienced Kelly.
The 32-year-old still has plenty of gas left in his tank.
He will provide much-needed depth to the Colts O-line in the next year or two.
Kelly’s return to Husqvarna State not only strengthens Colt’s O-line, but also increases Indie’s chances of returning to the post-2022 season.
Wearing Kelly Horseshoe and playing against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, is another interesting story for next season.