Braden Smith Stats: A Complete Breakdown of the Indianapolis Colts Offensive Tackle

Braden Smith is a name that resonates with Indianapolis Colts fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. As a stalwart on the offensive line, Smith has consistently demonstrated his skills and resilience throughout his career. Whether you’re a die-hard Colts supporter or simply a football fan, understanding Braden Smith’s stats is crucial to appreciating his value to the team.

In this article, we will delve into Braden Smith’s stats, covering his journey from college to the NFL, his performance with the Colts, and his impact on the team’s success.

Who Is Braden Smith

Braden Smith is an American professional football player who plays as an offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft (37th overall), Smith quickly established himself as one of the top young offensive linemen in the league. Known for his physicality, agility, and technical proficiency, he plays a crucial role in protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the offense.

Braden Smith’s College Career

Before making his mark in the NFL, Braden Smith had a successful college career at Auburn University. Playing as a right tackle for the Auburn Tigers, Smith earned All-SEC honors in his senior season and showcased exceptional athleticism, earning a reputation as one of the best offensive linemen in college football. His college stats were solid, including being an integral part of Auburn’s powerful offensive line that protected quarterbacks and paved the way for a productive running game.

College Team: Auburn Tigers

Position: Offensive Tackle (Right Tackle)

Awards & Honors: 2x All-SEC Selection

Notable College Stats:

Started in 26 games over his final two years

Part of Auburn’s dominant run game and pass protection

Contributed to an offense that averaged over 200 rushing yards per game in 2017

Braden Smith’s NFL Career: A Statistical Breakdown

Braden Smith entered the NFL as a second-round pick, and from day one, he was expected to make an immediate impact on the Colts’ offensive line. Let’s take a closer look at his NFL career and overall performance to understand his true value to the team.

Braden Smith’s Rookie Season (2018)

In his rookie year, Braden Smith started in all 16 games, showing the consistency and durability that would become a hallmark of his career. His performance in 2018 earned him recognition as one of the top offensive rookies in the league, especially in the run-blocking department. He was instrumental in protecting quarterback Andrew Luck, who had one of his most productive seasons.

Games Played: 16

Games Started: 16

Sacks Allowed: 4

Penalties: 3

Overall Rating: 75.3 (via Pro Football Focus)

Braden Smith’s 2019 Season: Solidfying His Role

By his second year, Braden Smith had grown into one of the league’s top young tackles. In 2019, he continued to improve, especially as a run-blocker, helping running backs Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines find success on the ground. Smith’s versatility, especially on the right side of the line, allowed the Colts to maintain offensive balance, with both the run game and pass protection being prioritized.

Games Played: 16

Games Started: 16

Sacks Allowed: 2

Penalties: 2

Overall Rating: 79.1 (via Pro Football Focus)

Run Blocking Grade: 81.0

Braden Smith’s 2020 Season: A Pro Bowl-Caliber Performance

Braden Smith truly reached the next level of his career in 2020, establishing himself as one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. His performance throughout the season earned him a well-deserved trip to the Pro Bowl. In 2020, Smith’s blocking was near flawless, as he continued to protect the quarterback, and the Colts’ offense maintained balance between the pass and the run.

Games Played: 16

Games Started: 16

Sacks Allowed: 2

Penalties: 1

Overall Rating: 82.6 (via Pro Football Focus)

Run Blocking Grade: 85.0

Pass Blocking Grade: 79.0

Braden Smith’s 2021 and 2022 Performance

In 2021, Smith continued to be a key player on the offensive line, though injuries caused him to miss a few games. Despite these setbacks, he was still effective when healthy and showed his elite level of play in both the running and passing game. His durability is key to the Colts’ offensive line’s overall stability.

Games Played (2021): 15

Games Started (2021): 15

Sacks Allowed: 3

Penalties: 3

Overall Rating (2021): 78.9 (via Pro Football Focus)

Pass Blocking Grade (2021): 79.5

In 2022, despite challenges with the offensive line as a whole, Smith remained a steady force on the right side. His presence in the run-blocking game was essential for the team to continue producing significant rushing yards.

Games Played (2022): 17

Games Started (2022): 17

Sacks Allowed: 3

Penalties: 4

Overall Rating (2022): 80.5 (via Pro Football Focus)

Pass Blocking Grade (2022): 80.2

Braden Smith’s Role in the Colts’ Offensive Line

One of the primary roles Braden Smith plays on the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line is protecting the quarterback, primarily from the right tackle position. Smith’s combination of strength, agility, and intelligence allows him to excel at both pass blocking and run blocking. His ability to open running lanes is crucial for the success of the Colts’ ground game, while his sharp pass protection skills keep the quarterback upright.

Pass Protection

Smith has consistently demonstrated the ability to protect the quarterback from pressure. His quick feet, balanced posture, and strong hand placement make him a formidable opponent for defensive ends and edge rushers. Over the years, Smith has reduced the number of sacks allowed, a key indicator of his growing skill set in pass protection.

Run Blocking

In the running game, Braden Smith’s size and strength allow him to dominate defenders and create lanes for the running backs. He excels at sealing the edge and creating space for the backs to cut and gain yardage.

Braden Smith’s Legacy and Future

Looking ahead, Braden Smith’s trajectory in the NFL appears to be very promising. He is already regarded as one of the top right tackles in the league and has the potential to solidify his place among the elite offensive linemen for years to come. His leadership on the line and commitment to excellence make him a vital component of the Colts’ offensive strategy.

FAQs

What is Braden Smith’s run-blocking ability like?

Braden Smith is widely recognized for his exceptional run-blocking ability. Over his career, he has consistently earned high grades in this area. For example, in 2020, he received a run-blocking grade of 85.0 from Pro Football Focus. His power and footwork allow him to clear paths for the Colts’ running backs, significantly contributing to the team’s success on the ground.

How has Braden Smith performed in pass protection?

Braden Smith has been solid in pass protection throughout his career. His pass-blocking grades have consistently been strong, with a pass-blocking grade of 79.0 in 2020 and 80.2 in 2022. Smith’s ability to neutralize edge rushers and provide protection for the quarterback is a key component of the Colts’ offensive success.

Has Braden Smith missed any games due to injury?

Braden Smith has been relatively durable throughout his career, although he did miss one game in the 2021 season due to injury. His consistent presence on the field is a testament to his conditioning and commitment to playing at a high level.

What is Braden Smith’s impact on the Indianapolis Colts’ offense?

Braden Smith’s impact on the Colts’ offense is immense. As a reliable offensive tackle, he is integral in both the passing and running game. His protection of the quarterback and ability to create running lanes for the backs help the Colts maintain a balanced offensive attack, which has been crucial for their success in recent seasons.

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

Braden Smith’s future in the NFL looks very bright. With his exceptional talent, leadership, and consistency, Smith is considered one of the top offensive tackles in the league. As he continues to develop, it is likely that he will remain a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line for years to come.

To Conclude

Braden Smith’s stats speak volumes about his talent and dedication to the game of football. From his rookie year to his current status as a Pro Bowl-caliber player, Smith has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the Indianapolis Colts will rely on him to protect their quarterback and pave the way for a potent offensive attack.

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