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How does KC Chiefs offensive line rank against other NFL teams?

By Logan Lazarczyk

Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks on a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks on a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 09: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 9, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 09: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 9, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

6. Indianapolis Colts

Last season, the Colts’ offensive line had an underwhelming performance by their standards. Injuries and middling performances from several players in the interior led to the lower ranking of this offensive line. However, this could be a group that ends the 2021 season inside the top five.

Losing Anthony Castonzo to retirement will be a big hit at the left tackle position, but Indianapolis did bring in reinforcements with signing Sam Tevi and Eric Fisher in free agency. It is unknown if Fisher will be ready when the season kicks off, but he should be able to step in at some point during the season and be a complimentary piece on the offensive line. The Colts also drafted Will Fries out of Penn State with their last pick in the draft. Protection is what the Colts prioritize, and the signing of Carson Wentz is even more of a reason to have strong protection.

Wentz had lacked protection the last few years in Philadelphia and has dealt with multiple injuries over that time. The 28-year-old quarterback should have a clean pocket on most of his dropbacks this upcoming season. One of the reasons Wentz will face limited pressure is left guard Quenton Nelson. Ever since he was drafted, the Notre Dame product has been a complete force in the offensive line. His first two years in the NFL were so spectacular that his 86.1 overall grade in 2020 seemed underwhelming. However, he was third among left guards in the league.

The right side of the line for the Colts is mostly overlooked and underrated because of the amount of praise that Nelson rightfully receives. However, Mark Glowinski and Braden Smith are both more than serviceable at their respective positions, especially Smith. The 2018 second-round pick was reliable in all aspects during the 2020 season. Smith played 937 offensive snaps, while committing three penalties and surrendering zero sacks. Glowinski gave up two sacks and three penalties on 1090 offensive snaps last season. Indianapolis should be viewed as true threats to the Chiefs in the AFC, and could make a run deep into the playoffs.

Projected Starting Offensive Line:

  • LT – Sam Tevi/Eric Fisher
  • LG – Quenton Nelson
  • C- Ryan Kelly
  • RG – Mark Glowinski
  • RT – Braden Smith
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