PFF names beginning RG Will Fries as ‘2025 free agent Colts can’t afford to lose’

Based on PFF, Indianapolis Colts beginning proper guard Will Fries:

Indianapolis Colts: G Will Fries

Fries was enjoying the perfect soccer of his profession earlier than struggling a season-ending leg harm in Week 5. His 86.9 PFF total grade nonetheless ranked second amongst all guards who performed at the least 250 snaps in 2024. If he can absolutely get well from the intense harm, the Colts may subject the most effective offensive traces within the NFL subsequent season.

The 4th yr professional, who was initially a 2021 seventh spherical decide of the Colts, was within the midst of a breakout marketing campaign earlier than struggling a season-ending tibia/fibula throughout Week 5 in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the street.

Particularly, per PFF, Fries ended his season prematurely with a +86.9 total grade, which might nonetheless rank 4th highest amongst all 2024 offensive guards—if he certified in whole snap rely, and even is a tad increased than his Colts’ All-Professional teammate Quenton Nelson (+81.3 total).

Whereas Fries held his personal in go blocking (+74.9), it was actually his run blocking grade that stands out as a bulldozer of a blocker for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor—that includes a +84.9 run blocking grade via 5 begins in 2024.

Throughout Fries’ midseason absence, the Colts struggled filling his footwear, as undrafted rookie guard Dalton Tucker finally hit a rookie wall, earlier than the crew re-signed veteran Mark Glowinski down the stretch, who helped stabilize the beginning proper guard job a bit higher.

That being stated, with longtime veteran heart Ryan Kelly showing unlikely to be re-signed (with 2nd-year inheritor obvious Tanor Bortolini ready within the wings), would the crew let two key beginning inside offensive linemen stroll in the identical offseason, with Fries too?

It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how issues unfold for Indianapolis.

Amongst a Colts free agent group that features Fries, Kelly, E.J. Velocity, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Julian Blackmon amongst others, Fries is a worthy decide for probably the most beneficial free agent for Indianapolis developing—though I do actually like Odeyingbo’s nonetheless untapped go dashing upside as effectively.