Through injury and a mental health journey, Braden Smith has been a stalwart presence along the Colts’ offensive line for the past eight seasons. Now 30 years old, he has plenty left in the tank. Smith’s grading profile over the past three seasons highlights his ability as both a run blocker and pass protector.
His 72.0 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets over the span places him among the top 25 qualifying tackles. He also ranks sixth in sack percentage, having allowed just five across 1,151 pass sets. Although his PFF run-blocking grade suffered this past season, his overall resume on the ground continues to impress. His positively graded run-block rate ranks in the 82nd percentile over the past three seasons.
While fourth-round rookie Jalen Travis played well in relief of Smith after the veteran was placed on injured reserve late in the year, it would be a prudent move for the Colts to attempt to retain as many pieces responsible for their early-season success as possible.