30 Days of Colts' Fits: Nick Saldiveri, IOL, Old Dominion
The 2023 NFL Draft is officially just under a month away. In order to help you all along until draft day, I decided to start a daily prospect spotlight series to talk about some players that the Colts could target next month.
The players mentioned in this series will be players that I have either heard that the team is really high on or are players that just make way too much sense for the team based on fit/past draft history.
Next up on the countdown to Draftmas is Old Dominion IOL Nick Saldiveri.
Background
Nick Saldiveri is a former two star recruit that also shined as a track athlete in high school (shot put and discus). He redshirted during his first year with Old Domninion, appearing in just three games on the season. He emerged as the team's starting right tackle following season as a redshirt freshman for the team.
He started 11 games in 2019 at right tackle, becoming one of two freshman to start on the line that season for the Monarchs. Saldiveri's 2020 season was cancelled due to Covid 19 but he came back the following season as a starter for the team.
Saldiveri started 13 games at right tackle in 2021, while also seeing some time at the right guard position. He was named as a C-USA Third Team Selection by Phil Steele for his strong play on the year.
He finished off his college career with his best season to date. He started 10 games at right tackle and one game at right guard for the Monarchs, earning Second Team All C-USA honors for his play. He also went the entire season without allowing a sack, despite rotating between two positions all year long.
He was invited to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl following this past season.
Size/Testing
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
318 pounds
Arm Length:
33.25 inches
Testing Numbers:
40 Time: 5.22 seconds / Bench Press: 24 reps / Vertical Jump: 31 inches / Broad Jump: 111 inches / Short-Shuttle: 4.69 seconds
Ability on Film
Nick Saldiveri is one of the more technically refined players in this draft class, which is insane when you realize that he was rotating between two spots for most of the past two seasons. His hand usage and balance allowed him to stay poised and controlled no matter where he lined up.
Saldiveri's flashes on film are simply phenomenal. He is so patient with his hands and they seem to always be in the right spot. He absorbs power at an extremely high level and excels at winning ugly when everything isn't clicking. He has the potential to be a top pass blocker in the NFL, no matter what position he ends up at.
Saldiveri also has some of the best eyes in this entire draft cycle. He is always aware of his surroundings in pass protection, and he is constantly scanning for looping defenders. He is a major asset for any team that struggles with picking up blitzes and stunts (ie. the Colts in 2022).
On top of all this, Saldiveri has rare positional versatility. He has the athleticism and the size to play tackle, but may be his best when moved inside as a guard. Last year, Old Dominion rotated him in game at right guard and right tackle. The clip below is taken from the same quarter of the same game from this past year. Saldiveri also played some center at the Senior Bowl, only adding to his versatility.
Fit with the Colts/Team Interest
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of a season where their offensive line played well below expectation. While it did improve marginally late in the season, the team needs to add more capable bodies to this position group before 2023. Will Fries is currently listed as the starter at right guard with only Danny Pinter serving as the backup.
Saldiveri is a player that could slide in and start on day one at right guard. He is a top tier pass protector that is only going to get better with more coaching at the next level. His versatility could also be a major asset as depth behind any position on the line if he doesn't win a starting job on day one.
The Colts haven't been too linked to him this draft cycle (they did meet with him at the Senior Bowl), but he just feels like a Chris Ballard offensive lineman. He's smart, experienced, and versatile. Those are major offensive line check marks for the team.
Overall, Saldiveri would be an outstanding mid round add for the Colts in this draft.
Learn more about Nick Saldiveri and so much more by pre-ordering the Indy Draft Guide!
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Follow Zach on Twitter @ZachHicks2.
