Helping a Colts Rookie QB: How Will Fries Can Improve in 2023

Will Fries will need to step up his game if he wants to keep his starting job for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2023 season.

The Indianapolis Colts have had consistency at most of the offensive line positions for the past few seasons. One area that took a hit in 2022 was the right guard. 

Former guard Mark Glowinski's departure to the New York Giants forced the Colts to switch routes on the matter. First, they went with Danny Pinter. Pinter’s strength came at the center position, but then-head coach Frank Reich believed he was good enough to hold down the fort for the spot at guard.

However, this wasn’t the case, as Pinter struggled badly with limited snaps. In short, he played 216 (all at RG) and was largely ineffective, often allowing pressures and not generating lanes for running backs to use.

Once Pinter was replaced, it was a revolving door of guards. This included right tackle Braden Smith (79 snaps) and tackle Matt Pryor (212 snaps). In total, three different players were put into the role. However, there’s one name who maintained it for most of the season. That is former Penn State Nittany Lion Will Fries.

This being part four out of five in the series, we’ll do as before. Fries will be broken down on sacks allowed, QB hits, hurries, and total penalties.

Also, there will be good things he did last year and areas to improve. With a rookie quarterback likely en route, Fries will be protecting someone who will depend on better blocking from the entire line. Let’s start with the stats.

The Numbers

• Games: 11
• Sacks Allowed: 1
• QB Hits: 2
• QB Hurries: 17
• Total Penalties: 5

Fries is the youngest of the starting offensive line. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The potential could be seen from Fries, but the aforementioned Glowinski had the position locked down.

Initially, the Colts didn’t consider Fries to start. Once things spiraled out of control, and the position became easy to attack for opponents, Fries was given a chance to shine.

Fries showed great potential against the Las Vegas Raiders in November. He manhandled the Raiders across the line of scrimmage and opened up lanes to run through. As the season went along, Fries did have his ups and downs. 

What Went Well

How does one sack allowed in 642 snaps sound? Fries excelled at not allowing defensive tackles or blitzing linebackers to storm the quarterback. What makes this stat even more impressive is the fact Fries was often blocking for immobile signal-callers like Matt Ryan and Nick Foles.

Fries allowed only two quarterback hits to build off of his sacks allowed. Given that he wasn’t used to the starting role when thrown into the fire, it was highly encouraging how he sticks the defense at the point of attack and holding his position.

There were also times when he could identify stunts and pass-offs on the defensive front.

Nick Foles ruined a Will Fries masterclass, I'm sick..

In all honesty, Fries had a solid game against the Chargers. He's trending up late in this season pic.twitter.com/ZQCRwyIWWs

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) December 31, 2022

This clip shows his quickness, processing adjustments on the fly, and ability to stuff defenders. Pro Football Focus graded Fries as the third-best run blocker for the Colts (66.2).

There are chances Fries is merely scratching the surface of his potential. It is worth noting that Fries finished with a higher run blocking grade than former All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson (64.6).

What Can Improve

While Fries blocked exceptionally well for the ground attack, it wasn’t as evident in the passing game. Despite the low amount of sacks allowed and QB hits, he did allow 20 pressures on the quarterback.

Fries was sixth on the team out of a possible eight in pass blocking grade with 44.4. The two Colts who graded worse than Fries in this area were Pryor (40.8) and Pinter (36.2). The young guard needs to clean up some footwork and pass-blocking mechanics to smooth out those rough edges.

One way Fries could be pushed to improve is if the Colts decide to fire away and sign a free agent for competition. Philadelphia Eagles guard Isaac Seumalo will be a free agent and could do the trick. Seumalo would truly be in the pocket of Fries for the starting position and vice-versa.

The Colts also currently hold a draft pick in the second and third rounds this spring. Could they draft in someone? It’s a strong possibility. New head coach Shane Steichen knows how it went when the previous staff trusted Pryor at left tackle and Pinter at guard. That mistake won’t happen twice.

Outlook

Fries is still a developing player at right guard. Even though his pass-blocking needs to improve for a rookie QB, he is a talented lineman who shows great promise in the running game.

With a new staff and offensive line coach in Tony Sparano Jr., look for Fries to continue improving. While the jury is still out on Fries, I’m a believer that he could become what the Colts have been seeking since Glowinski’s departure.

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