INDIANAPOLIS —The Indianapolis Colts are serious about their need to improve their play up front on the offensive side of the ball.
After using their first round selection on Thursday night on guard Quenton Nelson, the Colts on Friday night used their second of three second-round picks to nab another guard — Auburn's Braden Smith.
At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Smith certainly looks the part, but his play on the field — he's described by some, like Nelson, as a "mauler" — is his calling card.
Smith was a decorated offensive lineman at Auburn, where he appeared in 54 games with 41 consecutive starts from 2014-17. He was an AP/CBS/SB Nation First-Team All-American last season, and winner of the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
A team captain, he was a mainstay at right guard for the Tigers; earlier in his college career, he was also utilized as a tight end in Auburn's jumbo sets.
Check back with Colts.com for more on this developing story, but for now, here's Smith's NFL.com Draft Profile:
Overview
Braden Smith has an NFL-ready frame and will impress evaluators with the eyeball test. When the eyeballs are focused on the tape, they will see a player who is more than capable of matching power with power, but can be too regimented in his movement and overall play. Smith is a grinder whose play could vary greatly based upon the matchup across from him. He has size and power, but the holes in his game are unlikely to be patched up with coaching. He can become an average to solid starter.
