Colts Starting Rookie LT Blake Freeland vs. Aaron Donald: What to Expect

Raimann has been playing solid, currently posting the following blocking grades on 213 offensive snaps from Pro Football Focus:

• Overall: 78.3
• Run: 64.5
• Pass: 80.5

These are good numbers for the second-year protector out of Central Michigan. With Raimann being out, rookie Blake Freeland will step into big shoes for his first career NFL start against a gritty Rams defensive front.

Freeland isn’t unknown, as he played many snaps (121 snaps) through three contests during the preseason. However, he posted some roller coaster grades, showing he still has a lot of room to grow and develop.

• Overall: 61.5
• Run: 78.0
• Pass: 34.8

Freeland was a bulldozer in the ground attack, albeit against lesser competition than what he’ll face in games that matter. However, his pass blocking was concerning. He would allow the most pressures (seven) of the entire preseason for any Colts offensive lineman (14 eligible).

Freeland was also tied for first on the team in QB hits allowed (two). It’s clear that his area to work on most is pass protection. Given that the illustrious Aaron Donald often lines up over the offensive tackle, it may put him against Freeland head-to-head.

Here are Donald’s snap counts and where he lined up over the Rams’ three games for 2023. The description provided by PFF will also be next to each entry. For the year, Donald has 158 total snaps.

• AGP (snaps lined up as nose tackle): 7
• BGP (snaps lined up as defensive tackle): 58
• OVT (snaps lined up over offensive tackle): 87
• OUT (snaps lined up outside of offensive tackle): 6

As the numbers display, Donald lines up more often than not over the offensive tackle. Given that right tackle Braden Smith is a dependable piece on the offensive line, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will likely put Donald over Freeland and test the BYU product in his first start.

There will be situations where Freeland will need help double-teaming the defensive juggernaut Donald. Also, there will be quick passes and RPOs to keep Donald on his toes. Look for Shane Steichen to have a game plan that factors 100% of Donald’s talents into it.

Freeland has a tall task to start in place of Raimann, the latter having a great start to 2023. But Freeland gets a mobile QB in Richardson and a punishing runner like Zack Moss to help him adjust. 

How will the rookie tackle perform on Sunday? We’ll have to see how he handles a golden opportunity to showcase why Indianapolis selected him and trusts him as the blind-side insurance policy for their QB of the future.