The Indianapolis Colts addressed their offensive line in a big way — keyword, "big" — on Saturday, as they picked up BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland with their fourth-round (106th overall) selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But don't let Freeland's size — he's listed at 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds — fool you. Freeland possesses plenty of athleticism, which, matched with his height, weight, effort and technique makes him an intriguing young prospect for the Colts to mold in the coming years.
"Getting Freeland at tackle we thought was important," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. "We think he's got really good upside. He's a very talented athlete. Of course he needs work like all guys do, but we're excited to get his ability in the building and have him compete."
Freeland also has experience being thrown into the fire and seeing near-instant results. A tight end and defensive end in high school, Freeland was tasked with taking on right tackle heading into his true freshman season at BYU, where he started the final seven games in 2019, and eight of 11 games the following year.
But Freeland's value increased significantly his final two years for the Cougars, when he made the move over to the other side of the line to start their final 26 games at left tackle, earning third team Associated Press All-American honors last year.
For his part, Freeland said he doesn't really have a preference between left and right tackle at the NFL level.
"I feel good playing both," he told the Indianapolis-area media Saturday shortly after his selection. "I played two seasons, both at right and left. Most recently at left, so I feel comfortable at left. I was able to play both sides at the Senior Bowl and they felt really, really good both ways."
That versatility should serve Freeland well as he begins his NFL journey. The Colts return their starters at left and right tackle, respectively, in Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, but the team should have plenty of competition this offseason, training camp, and preseason for its primary swing tackle position.
Freeland calls that opportunity a "dream come true."
"I wasn't expecting a call from the Colts, but I'm freaking pumped about it," he said. "Ready to get going, ready to get working."
View photos of BYU OT Blake Freeland, selected 106 overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks Baylor defensive lineman TJ Franklin (9) in the second half, during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
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22FTB vs Baylor
2022 BYU Football
Photo by Nate Edwards/BYU
September 10, 2022
© BYU PHOTO 2022 All Rights Reserved photo@byu.edu (801)422-7322
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22FTB vs Utah State
2022 BYU Football
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Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU
September 29, 2022
© BYU PHOTO 2022 All Rights Reserved photo@byu.edu (801)422-7322
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22FTB vs East Carolina
2022 BYU Football
BYU-24 ECU-27
Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU
October 28, 2022
© BYU PHOTO 2022 All Rights Reserved photo@byu.edu (801)422-7322
National offensive lineman Blake Freeland of Brigham Young (73) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National offensive lineman Blake Freeland of Brigham Young (73) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National offensive lineman Blake Freeland of Brigham Young (73) runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah State Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks against Wyoming during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks against Wyoming during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah State Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks Wyoming defensive end Braden Siders (86) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) looks to block Oregon linebacker DJ Johnson (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) looks to block in the second half, during an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) looks to block in the second half, during an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) blocks Baylor defensive lineman TJ Franklin (9) in the second half, during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
