Blake Freeland Boosts Colts OL with Position Versatility
When the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft began, one of the biggest needs for the Indianapolis Colts included adding depth on the offensive line.
It took all of three picks before the Colts addressed just that. The Colts selected offensive tackle Blake Freeland out of BYU with the 106th pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday. Freeland was a four-year starter for the Cougars, starting 41 games in his college career.
“It’s a dream come true," Freeland said on Saturday. "I wasn’t expecting a call from the Colts but I’m freaking pumped about it. Ready to get going, ready to get working."
The Colts did not make their interest in Freeland known before they selected the 21-year-old. While Freeland had a hunch other teams may be interested in him, the Colts were not one of those. Now that he is a Colt, he is ready to get to work.
"I just had kind of a list from my agent saying a few teams that were more interested than the others and I guess, the Colts didn’t seem to be on one," Freeland admitted. "I had good interviews with them at the (NFL) Combine and at the Senior Bowl. It worked out great, was able to meet a lot of the coaches, so that was awesome.”
Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
One of the main strengths Freeland brings to the Colts is position versatility. In 41 career starts at BYU, Freeland started 26 games at left tackle and 15 at right tackle. While he is more comfortable on the left side, Freeland feels he can contribute wherever his talents are needed.
“I feel good playing both," he explained. "I played two seasons, both at right and left. Most recently at left, so I feel comfortable at left. I was able to play both sides at the Senior Bowl and they felt really, really good both ways.”
At 6'7" and 302 pounds, Freeland is the most athletic offensive tackle in the 2023 draft class, according to his RAS (Relative Athletic Score). Freeland joins Anthony Richardson and Julius Brents as the two other picks by the Colts who posted the best RAS at their position in this class. The high-level athleticism gives him a higher ceiling than most offensive linemen.
While Freeland is an incredible athlete, he is still raw in his development. Freeland played quarterback, tight end, and defensive line in high school before moving to offensive tackle at BYU. Since coming on campus, Freeland has added over 120 pounds to his frame as he fills out for the position.
“Early on, towards the end of high school, it was a lot of late-night shakes, early-morning shakes," Freeland revealed about his weight-gaining process. "Just like 2,000-calorie protein shakes, always eating, always working out. As I got heavier, it was easier to keep weight on and keep gaining that weight. It was an uphill battle at first, but I was able to figure it out.”
Below is an excerpt from the 2023 Indy Draft Guide on Freeland's fit with the Colts:
Freeland could be an interesting project pick for the Colts on Day 3. His athleticism is off the charts and matches the type of players the Colts draft along the offensive line. However, Freeland is not likely ready to play right away and will need plenty of coaching to refine his game and reach his potential. If the Colts are willing to be patient with him, Freeland could develop into a very solid swing tackle in Indy.
The Colts are hoping Freeland can become a solid swing tackle option with the ability to fill in as a starter when needed. Freeland knows he is not at the level he needs to be and is ready to work to reach his potential.
"As far as my o-line development, I feel like it’s been well, and I’m planning to continue and develop and get as good as I can," he said. "Just become the best offensive lineman I can be.”
© John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Many players aid their development by watching the greats at their position and studying what makes them successful. Freeland is no different, and he has one former NFL Pro Bowler, in particular, he loves to study.
“One guy I really loved watching was Andrew Whitworth. I know he doesn’t play anymore but he’s a great guy to watch. I mean, he played for however many years until he was 40 years old. So, just seeing how technically sound he is, how well-balanced he is was really great to watch and just being another tall, 6-7 tackle, it’s great to take notes on.”
Freeland is a mature player and a student of the game. While he may not be ready to play immediately, his makeup and desire to improve his craft will take him a long way. Add in his athleticism, and the Colts may have found a diamond in the rough along the offensive line.
More Colts Draft Picks
- Round 1 Pick 4: QB Anthony Richardson - Florida
- Round 2 Pick 44: CB Julius Brents - Kansas State
- Round 3 Pick 79: WR Josh Downs - North Carolina
- Round 4 Pick 110: DT Adetomiwa Adebawore - Northwestern
- Round 5 Pick 138: CB Darius Rush - South Carolina
- Round 5 Pick 158: S Daniel Scott - California
- Round 5 Pick 162: TE Will Mallory - Miami
- Round 5 Pick 176: RB Evan Hull - Northwestern
- Round 6 Pick 211: DE Titus Leo - Wagner
- Round 7 Pick 221: CB Jaylon Jones - Texas A&M
- Round 7 Pick 236: OT Jake Witt - Northern Michigan
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