Indianapolis Colts chose BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland with their No. 106 pick in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft. Colts general manager Chris Ballard had expressed interest in the offensive line depth remaining in the draft.
Freeland is set to become the Colts’ swing tackle, providing depth behind left tackle Bernhard Raimann and right tackle Braden Smith. His previous experience includes 15 games as a right tackle and 26 games as a left tackle.
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 302 pounds, Freeland has a large frame but reportedly lacks some flexibility in his game. He has, however, consistently improved by adding weight and was a third-team All-American last season.
Freeland is considered one of the most athletic tackle prospects in the draft. He ranks in the top 1% all-time with a 37-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump. His speed is also noteworthy, with a 4.98-second 40-yard dash.
Throughout his career, Freeland has focused on adding weight to fill out his frame. He started as a quarterback in high school before moving to tight end and defensive line as a senior. He also played basketball and was a track star, earning the 2019 Gatorade Utah boys track athlete of the year.
Freeland began consuming 2,000-calorie protein shakes to transition to the offensive line. Despite weighing 302 pounds now, he still ranks only in the bottom 31% of all-time tackle prospects by weight. Freeland met with the Colts at the combine and Senior Bowl, and remained on Ballard’s radar for Day 3.
The Colts will likely continue with most of their current line, with Freeland aiming to offer depth at both tackle positions. This will play a crucial role in protecting rookie quarterback and No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson.
Freeland has studied former Bengals and Rams Pro Bowler Andrew Whitworth to learn techniques and balance as a tall tackle. Upon receiving the call from the Colts, Freeland said he was “freaking pumped about it.”
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