Of course it is easier to find a guard. That doesn’t mean a good guard should just move to LT

And how does it work when a team doesnt have a sound left tackle?

I appreciate his skills in his first two years. He could be the John Hannah for this team. He is one of the most athletic limen in the NFL.

The thread is about the possible loss of Castonzo. Colts are looking for a QB and now maybe a LT. I’m not sure having a great RG will be that beneficial if the LT plays like tony ugoh

Jake Scott was a good guard. Nelson is an exceptional guard, with exceptional athletic ability

My point is that when they put Smith at tackle, they didn't choose to put Nelson there instead, and that was for a reason.

Nelson isn't going anywhere, at least I hope not. Having him in the middle where he uses his athletic ability to help out and, more importantly, he keeps the pocket from collapsing. He is a guard and a great one at that. Don't mess with what is working for this team.

Clark wasnt active for the last half of the season

He’s one of the best lineman in the NFL. He maybe one of the best athletes on the team

Actually Braden Smith is much more athletic than Nelson. His measurables were off the charts for being drafted as a guard.

He is on his way to being one of the best guards of all time, you leave him there and build the line around him.

Zach Keefer has reported that Castonzo will be returning to the Colts next year. That's a big relief, but he's obviously pondering retirement and his eventual replacement needs to be drafted/found in advance. Nice to have him back for at least an additional year.

Ballard is addressing the media right now and has confirmed the return.

Time to change the thread title to Returning!!!

That is a relief,

Still love to draft a T high(2 or 3), put him at RT, allowing Braden to serve RG/T depth.

too many other needs. They can address it late, but not a high pick hopefully.

I like Smith there. I think he did a good job. I would rather upgrade the LG position which is easier to do than find a RT.

The only way I go T now is one we can develop to eventually replace AC since it sounds like we are looking year to year with him now.

OT is still 3rd on the priority list for me at 13 - behind QB and DT.

I assume you meant RG

Interesting development. Makes me wonder what would motivate Castonzo to first float the idea of a retirement, and then decide to return, but only on a year-to-year basis. Trying to read the tea leaves here.

Maybe it's as simple as a desire to earn a few more bucks before retirement, but I have to think that the Colts made some sort of sales pitch to him to convince him to return. If so, what would that pitch have been? We're planning on drafting a developmental QB and you can block for him? I wouldn't think that would be too enticing unless he gets paid really well. We're planning on bringing in a proven vet QB and will have a legit shot at the playoffs? Seems more appealing.

So, do you think this moves the needle closer to the possibility of bringing in a vet QB? Or do you think it's more simple, and just about Castonzo not being ready to let the game go so deciding to play one more season?

He’s a very well educated man he has the ability to go and do almost anything he wants to do so I don’t believe it’s about money he had to decide if he was willing to take another couple years of a beating that offense lineman take on every play.

Great point and question.... it's not unrealistic to think he considered retirement if chances of winning a SB was far off in his mind. Maybe he was convinced otherwise.

Just my opinion

Last year Castonzo's total contract was worth $11,050,000 if they sign him he will ask for over the $16,020,000 OL Franchise tag amount, if not signed and Colts tag him for $16,020,000 either way a nice farewell retirement plan. :cool:

What is your issue with Big Q?

Haha. So overrated. If he was that good we shouldn’t even need a tackle. He should just block the whole left side, blitzes included.

So obviously I meant RG.

I am glad that AC is returning. Our great O-Line from 2019 will continue.

However, with Haeg heading to free agency (I believe that he is good enough that someone will pay him low end starter money) and Clark being no more than just okay, I still want an OT with one of our top three picks (Rounds 1 and 2) in 2020.

We need to rebuild our quality depth on the O-line with Haeg departing and prepare that AC will depart in the near future (1 or 2 years from now).

As an added bonus, we could see if the rookie would be ready to play this year which would add competition to RG Glowinski where he will either rise to the occasion and retain his starting spot (play like he did in 2019) or become somewhat high paid depth on the inside if supplanted by either the rookie or by Smith kicking inside with the rookie playing RT.

I like the look of this:

LT Castonzo (1st round pick)
LG Nelson (1st round pick)
OC Kelly (1st round pick)
RG Smith (2nd round pick)
RT Rookie (1st/2nd round pick)

Interior Depth: Glowinski (4th round pick)
OT Depth: Smith
Developmental Depth: Lower round 2020 rookie (4th/5th/6th round pick)

After those seven, then whichever UDFA/street free agent the team likes for numbers 8/9/10 on the active / practice squad.

Keep the O-Line strong; that is one of the drive engines to a top offense.

There are some good OT's in this draft.