PHOENIX – Over the past two months, Chris Ballard's main goal has been to thoroughly evaluate his roster.
The results of that analyzation have led to parting ways with several veteran defenders (D'Qwell Jackson, Arthur Jones and Patrick Robinson).
Ballard has signed 10 outside free agents, an extremely high number that addresses a handful of positions groups.
One area that has had a relatively quiet offseason has been the offensive line.
Joe Reitz retired. Jonotthan Harrison was not re-signed (Harrison has moved on to the Jets). Brian Schwenke was added to provide some depth/competition in the interior of the line.
Why the lack of activity in the offensive trenches?
It's because Ballard has been pleasantly surprised by what the tape has shown him.
Ballard believes the future is bright involving the current offensive line personnel.
"The O-line is very young, but I think it has a chance to really grow," Ballard says. "It's been fun to watch that group work together.
"They are all in the building working together. That's what you want. It's never about one guy. I think that's part of the misconception on the O-line. That it's about one guy. It's about those five guys playing together. They've all been in town, all their workouts they are doing them together. And that's been fun to see."
From the various offensive line talk throughout this offseason, the Colts continue to feel very good about a starting trio of LT-Anthony Castonzo, LG-Jack Mewhort and C-Ryan Kelly.
Joe Haeg has a good shot at getting the first look for a starting spot at either right guard or right tackle.
You also have Schwenke, Denzelle Good and Le'Raven Clark to sort out on the right side.
And the Colts are very open to adding another piece to the offensive line through the draft.
When asked in Phoenix whether Ballard believed the 2017 starting offensive line was definitely on the current roster, he was not ready to commit to such a statement.
"I wouldn't say that because we still want to add some competition," Ballard said.
"When you get those five guys in there settled hopefully they can work together for a season, but we all know that's not realistic so that six, seventh and eighth lineman become critical. And they have to have position flexibility. You've got to have a tackle that can play guard. You need to have a guard that can play center. It's important. We will continue to dig."
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