Braden Smith: A Comprehensive Overview of the NFL Offensive Tackle

Braden Smith is a professional American football player who currently plays as an offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Known for his incredible strength, exceptional agility, and dominating performance on the field, Smith has earned a reputation as one of the best offensive linemen in the league. This article will dive deep into his background, career achievements, playing style, and why he remains a critical part of the Colts’ offensive line.

Early Life and High School Career of Braden Smith

Braden Smith was born on March 25, 1996, in O’Fallon, Missouri. He attended Francis Howell High School, where he played both football and basketball. Despite his impressive athleticism, Smith was not initially on the radar of top-tier college programs. However, his dedication and work ethic led to him earning a scholarship to play football at Auburn University.

College Career: Braden Smith at Auburn University

Braden Smith played for the Auburn Tigers from 2014 to 2017, where he solidified his place as one of the best offensive linemen in college football. He started 13 games as a freshman, playing in various positions on the offensive line. By his sophomore year, he was a full-time starter and continued to dominate through his junior and senior years.

Throughout his college career, Smith showcased his incredible versatility, playing both guard and tackle positions. His performance earned him multiple All-SEC honors, and by the end of his senior year, he was considered one of the top offensive linemen eligible for the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season with the Indianapolis Colts

Braden Smith was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, with the 37th overall pick. This marked the beginning of his professional football career. In his rookie season, Smith quickly made a name for himself as a formidable offensive tackle. He started all 16 games for the Colts, establishing himself as a reliable protector of quarterback Andrew Luck.

Smith’s remarkable strength, quickness, and ability to read the game allowed him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking. His performance during the 2018 season earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, solidifying his reputation as a future star in the league.

Playing Style and Strengths

Braden Smith’s playing style is marked by a combination of brute strength and athleticism. As an offensive tackle, his primary job is to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the team’s running backs. Smith excels at both of these tasks due to his physical attributes and skill set.

Strength and Power

Smith’s strength is one of his most notable attributes. Standing 6’6″ and weighing over 310 pounds, he is a physical presence on the field. His size and strength allow him to overpower defenders in both the passing and running game. He uses his physicality to anchor against pass rushers, keeping his quarterback safe from pressure.

Quickness and Agility

Despite his large frame, Smith is also incredibly quick and agile. His ability to move laterally with speed allows him to excel in pass protection. He can efficiently mirror defenders’ movements, ensuring that they do not gain an advantage during a pass play.

Versatility

Another key strength of Braden Smith is his versatility. He has played multiple positions along the offensive line throughout his career, including both guard and tackle. This flexibility gives the Colts’ coaching staff valuable options when designing their offensive schemes.

Braden Smith’s Impact on the Indianapolis Colts

Since entering the NFL, Braden Smith has become a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line. The Colts have consistently ranked among the league’s best offensive lines, and Smith’s presence has been a significant factor in that success. His consistency and reliability as a tackle have given the Colts’ quarterbacks and running backs the protection they need to thrive.

Offensive Line Leadership

Braden Smith’s leadership on the field has earned him the respect of his teammates. He is known for his tough and hardworking mentality, always striving to improve his game. As one of the most experienced linemen on the team, Smith is often tasked with mentoring younger players, helping them adjust to the NFL’s fast-paced game.

Success in the Run Game

The Colts’ offensive line, with Braden Smith leading the way, has been particularly successful in the run game. Smith is known for his ability to create running lanes, allowing the team’s running backs to break through and gain significant yardage. His drive-blocking and ability to sustain blocks in the run game make him a critical part of the Colts’ ground attack.

Career Achievements and Accolades

Braden Smith has quickly become one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. Over the course of his career, he has earned numerous accolades and has been a mainstay on one of the league’s most impressive offensive lines. Some of his notable achievements include:

NFL All-Rookie Team (2018): Smith’s strong rookie campaign earned him a spot on the prestigious NFL All-Rookie Team.

Pro Bowl Selections: Smith’s consistent performance has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections, cementing his place as one of the top offensive linemen in the league.

Part of Top-Ranked Offensive Line: Throughout his career, Smith has played for one of the league’s top-ranked offensive lines, contributing to the Colts’ success in both passing and rushing plays.

Braden Smith’s Future in the NFL

As Braden Smith continues to develop his game, the future looks bright for him in the NFL. Given his physical attributes, skill set, and leadership on the field, it’s clear that Smith will remain a key figure in the Indianapolis Colts’ offense for years to come.

Smith’s work ethic and passion for the game make him one of the most dedicated players on the field. As he continues to grow and refine his skills, there’s little doubt that he will only get better, and he could potentially see more accolades and recognition in the coming years.

FAQs

What are Braden Smith’s key strengths as an offensive lineman?

Braden Smith’s key strengths include his exceptional strength, quickness, and versatility. He is known for his ability to overpower defenders in the run game and protect the quarterback in pass protection. His agility allows him to mirror pass rushers, while his physicality makes him a dominant force in the trenches.

Has Braden Smith been selected for the Pro Bowl?

Yes, Braden Smith has been selected for the Pro Bowl in recognition of his outstanding performance as an offensive tackle. His consistent play has earned him recognition as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.

How has Braden Smith impacted the Indianapolis Colts’ offense?

Braden Smith has had a significant impact on the Colts’ offensive line, helping to improve both the team’s pass protection and run blocking. His ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback has contributed to the Colts’ overall offensive success. His leadership on the field also makes him a valuable mentor to younger players on the team.

What is Braden Smith’s playing style?

Braden Smith’s playing style combines raw power with excellent agility. He uses his strength to dominate in the run game and his quickness to protect the quarterback in pass protection. His versatility allows him to play different positions on the offensive line, giving his team more flexibility when creating offensive schemes.

What are Braden Smith’s future prospects in the NFL?

Braden Smith’s future in the NFL looks bright. With his physicality, skill set, and leadership, he is likely to continue playing at a high level for many years. As he further refines his technique, Smith could become even more dominant and continue to be one of the top offensive tackles in the league.

To Conclude

Braden Smith is a standout offensive tackle in the NFL whose contributions to the Indianapolis Colts have been invaluable. From his early days at Auburn University to his rise as a star in the NFL, Smith’s physicality, agility, and versatility have made him one of the league’s top offensive linemen. His leadership and dedication to the game make him an integral part of the Colts’ offensive success. 

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