INDIANAPOLIS – Ever since Chris Ballard took over in late January, one position group was consistently praised by the new general manager.

To some, it was a surprise.

Was Ballard really that big of a fan of the offensive line in Indianapolis?

Repeatedly though, throughout the offseason, Ballard praised Ryan Grigson for the young pieces that the Colts are now looking to see mesh together in 2017.

Through the first few days of Training Camp, the Colts have continued to work three second-year players with the starting lineup in center Ryan Kelly, right guard Joe Haeg and right tackle Le'Raven Clark.

"We've got some young players," Ballard says of his excitement about the O-line. "Offensive line might be one of the hardest positions when they transition from college to the pros, and it takes two or three years for those guys to really develop into NFL blockers at this level.

"I think we've got a good, young mix of players that need to keep developing. Now, it's just time for them to continue to take the next steps in getting better as they develop."

As the Colts continue to increase the work for Jack Mewhort (knee), the makings of a starting line is there.

Bookend left tackle Anthony Castonzo will once again be blocking the blindside of Andrew Luck.

With Castonzo, and now Mewhort flipping to right guard, the Colts have an established veteran to complement the youngsters on each side.

One area of the line that the Colts must find in August is those all too valuable reserves.

Attrition on the line is virtually inevitable so the Colts need to see some players emerge along expected backups Brian Schwenke and Denzelle Good.

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