Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts

Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released its 2025 preseason rankings for NFL offensive tackles, and Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith has secured the 21st spot—placing him in the upper-middle tier of the league’s pass-blockers and run-blockers at the position. Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts reflects a mix of consistency and room for growth for the 29-year-old veteran, who has been a staple of the Colts’ offensive line since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. PFF’s OT rankings weigh a player’s overall grade (combining pass-blocking, run-blocking, and penalty metrics) from the previous season, positional versatility, and injury history—making Smith’s placement a validation of his reliability, while also highlighting areas where he can elevate his play to join the league’s elite tackles. Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a statistic; it’s a snapshot of his value to the Colts’ offense, which relies on his ability to protect quarterback Daniel Jones and open holes for running back Jonathan Taylor. This article explores the details of PFF’s evaluation, Smith’s 2024 performance, and what he needs to do to climb higher in future rankings.

Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is primarily driven by his strong run-blocking grade, which stood out as one of his biggest strengths in 2024. PFF gave Smith an 81.2 run-blocking grade last season—ranking him 12th among all offensive tackles and placing him in the “above-average” tier for the category. His performance in the run game was critical to the Colts’ success: when Smith was on the field, Indianapolis averaged 4.9 yards per carry (compared to 4.1 yards per carry when he was sidelined for two games with a knee injury), and he recorded 28 “run-block wins” (instances where he successfully cleared a defender for a ball-carrier). Smith’s strength (he bench-presses 225 lbs 32 times) and technique make him particularly effective in power-running schemes, where he can drive defensive ends back and create lanes for Taylor. However, PFF’s evaluation also pointed to a key weakness: his pass-blocking grade of 70.3, which ranked 24th among offensive tackles. Smith allowed 3 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 15 pressures in 2024—numbers that, while not catastrophic, kept him from cracking the top 20. “Braden is a elite run-blocker, but his pass-blocking consistency holds him back,” said PFF analyst Sam Monson. “Against speed rushers, he sometimes struggles to adjust his feet, which leads to pressures. That’s why he’s in the 20s instead of the teens.”

Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts also reflects how his performance stacks up against other NFL right tackles—and the gap between him and the league’s elite. The top-ranked right tackle in PFF’s list, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jawaan Taylor, earned an overall grade of 90.1 in 2024 (with a 88.5 pass-blocking grade and 82.3 run-blocking grade), while Smith’s 75.6 overall grade puts him 14.5 points behind. The difference is most noticeable in pass protection: Taylor allowed just 1 sack and 6 pressures all season, while Smith’s 3 sacks and 15 pressures highlight a need for improvement in that area. However, Smith outperforms several notable right tackles in run blocking—including the Buffalo Bills’ Dion Dawkins (78.9 run-blocking grade) and the San Francisco 49ers’ Mike McGlinchey (79.5 run-blocking grade)—which keeps him competitive in the middle of the rankings. PFF noted that Smith’s ability to stay healthy (he’s missed just 5 games in 7 seasons) also works in his favor, as durability is a key factor in positional rankings. “Consistency and availability matter, and Braden has both,” Monson said. “But to move up, he needs to close the gap in pass protection—especially against the league’s top edge rushers, who have targeted him in recent seasons.”

Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts underscores the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line identity, which is built around a balanced mix of run-blocking and pass-blocking talent—and Smith’s role as a cornerstone of that identity. The Colts’ offensive line ranked 11th in the NFL in overall PFF grade in 2024, and Smith’s run-blocking was a major reason why: the team’s rushing offense finished 8th in yards per game (128.5) and 6th in rushing touchdowns (16). The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line identity prioritizes supporting Taylor’s running game, and Smith’s strengths align perfectly with that focus. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser has designed schemes that play to Smith’s strengths—using him in “pulling” plays (where he moves from his right tackle spot to block linebackers on the left side) and “zone runs” (where he seals defenders to create lateral space for Taylor). “Braden is the engine of our run game,” Strausser said. “We build plays around his ability to dominate in the trenches, and that’s not going to change. His PFF ranking reflects how valuable he is to that part of our offense.” While the Colts would like to see Smith improve his pass-blocking, they recognize that his run-blocking alone makes him a critical piece of their offensive puzzle.

Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts also highlights the Indianapolis Colts’ off-season investments in supporting Smith—moves designed to help him improve his pass-blocking and maintain his run-blocking dominance. The team re-signed backup offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (who has 76 career starts) to a one-year deal, ensuring Smith has a reliable backup if he needs rest or misses time. They also brought in a new pass-rush specialist coach, Keith Willis Jr., to work with Smith on footwork and hand placement—areas PFF identified as weaknesses in his pass protection. During off-season workouts, Willis has focused on drills to help Smith adjust to speed rushers: ladder drills to improve foot quickness, and “mirror drills” where Smith practices matching the movements of a defensive end. The Indianapolis Colts’ off-season investments in supporting Smith also include a minor adjustment to the offensive line rotation: Strausser plans to give Smith occasional reps at left tackle during practice, which will improve his versatility and help him prepare for games where he might have to switch sides due to injury. “We’re invested in Braden’s growth,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “He’s a key part of our future, and we want to give him every tool he needs to succeed. The off-season work he’s doing with Coach Willis will pay off in 2025.”

Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts concludes with the Indianapolis Colts’ expectations for Smith to climb higher in 2025—and the steps he needs to take to make that happen. For Smith to break into the top 15 of PFF’s OT rankings, he must improve his pass-blocking consistency: reducing his sack total to 1 or 2, cutting down on pressures, and performing better against elite edge rushers (like the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Josh Allen, who recorded 1 sack and 2 pressures against Smith in 2024). The Indianapolis Colts’ expectations for Smith to climb higher in 2025 also include maintaining his elite run-blocking—something that shouldn’t be overlooked, as strong run-blocking keeps defenses off balance and reduces the pressure on the passing game. Additionally, Smith’s chemistry with Jones will be critical: as the quarterback adjusts to the Colts’ offense, Smith’s ability to anticipate Jones’ movements in the pocket will help him react faster to pass-rushers. “Braden has the talent to be a top-15 tackle,” Monson said. “He just needs to refine his pass-blocking technique and stay consistent. If he does that, the Colts’ offensive line will be even more dangerous.” For Smith and the Colts, landing at 21st is a starting point. As the 2025 season unfolds, Braden Smith Lands at 21st in PFF OT Rankings for Indianapolis Colts will serve as a benchmark—measuring his progress and solidifying his status as one of the league’s most valuable right tackles.