Ryan Smith ranks the best interior offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft by pressure rate. 2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the best interior offensive linemen by pressure rate 2YJGEE3 Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson (55) sets up to block against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) By Ryan A Smith Posted Feb 28, 2025 5:45 am EST Small-school star sits at the top: Sacramento State‘s Jackson Slater ended his college career going 25 consecutive games (dating back to 2022) since he last allowed a sack. Jared Wilson shows well in pass protection: The Georgia offensive lineman allowed just five pressures in 511 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes In a league that’s become incredibly pass-heavy over recent years, it’s never been more important to have quality offensive linemen across all five positions. Here, we will highlight some of the most effective pass-blockers among 2025 NFL Draft-eligible interior defenders from last season in terms of pressure rate. For a more complete look at the class, check out PFF’s big board, which offers three-year player grades, combine measurables, position rankings and in-depth player analysis for all top prospects. Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock the world’s most advanced football database! Slater was a four-year starter at Sacramento State (primarily at left guard) but had his season cut short after nine games in 2024 after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Prior to that, he was among the best pass-protecting OL in the nation, allowing just three pressures in 379 pass-blocking snaps. Slater ended his college career going 25 consecutive games (dating back to 2022) since he last allowed a sack. 2. Jared Wilson, Georgia: 1.4% Wilson signed with Georgia in 2021 and saw his playing time steadily increase the last few years. His development earned him the starting center job in 2024, and he went on to have an excellent season, allowing just five pressures in 511 pass-blocking snaps. Despite his limited experience on the field, Wilson sits at the top of the PFF big board for centers at 111th overall. Wehr originally committed to Montana State in 2019 as a defensive lineman before switching to the offensive line in 2022. He spent most of his time at right tackle in 2022 and 2023 before moving to right guard last season. For his career, Wehr allowed just nine total pressures across 762 pass-blocking snaps, none of which resulted in a sack. 4. Drew Kendall, Boston College: 1.6% Kendall was a three-year starter for Boston College, playing all 1,308 snaps at center in that span. He was a much-improved pass-blocker in 2024, allowing just five pressures for the season after being charged with 32 combined in 2022 and 2023. The son of former Boston College and NFL guard Pete Kendall, Drew currently sits 280th on the PFF big board. 5. Joe Huber, Wisconsin: 1.7% Huber spent the first two years of his career at Cincinnati before transferring to Wisconsin in 2023. His versatility was on full display at the college level, playing right tackle in 2022 (854 snaps), left guard in 2023 (825 snaps) and right guard in 2024 (765 snaps). He’s also mixed in snaps at both center and left tackle. His best season came in 2024, when he allowed nine pressures for the season and just one sack back in Week 1. Honorable mentions – Luke Kandra, Cincinnati: 1.8% and Willie Lampkin, North Carolina: 1.9% Kandra and Lampkin round out the draft-eligible interior defenders who had a pressure rate less than 2% in 2024. Both Lampkin (128) and Kandra (147) rank inside the top 150 on the PFF big board, as neither player allowed a sack in pass-protection last season.
2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the best interior offensive linemen by pressure rate
Report: Colts had a formal meeting with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at the NFL Combine
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images The Colts have already met with a top tight end prospect at this year’s NFL Combine. Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have had a formal meeting with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at the NFL Combine. Listed at 6’6”, 257 lbs, Tyler Warren was the CFP Semifinal Nittany Lions’ entire offensive identity this past season. Aligning everywhere on the field — in-line tight end, slot receiver, fullback, wildcat QB, and out-wide — Warren’s Mackey Award-winning senior campaign resulted in 1,233 receiving yards, 8 receiving touchdowns, 218 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, and a passing touchdown to serve as the cherry on top. Below is Tyler Warren’s NFL.com draft profile: The ultimate “whatever, whenever” player in the 2025 draft with the size, athleticism and competitive spirit to make good on his intentions. Warren plays with swagger and “best player on the field” energy. He imprints on games with alignment versatility, allowing opportunities for play-callers to stress the defense. Despite his size, he’s quick enough to beat man coverage underneath and plays with good recognition of holes in coverage. He has the ball skills and toughness to win contested catches and withstand punishing contact. He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker but will need a little improvement at sustaining blocks when blocking in-line. Warren can access all three levels of the field but is best served short and intermediate. He possesses elite football character and plays with a confidence that can be contagious. He has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the league. Warren seems like the perfect tight end prospect for HC Shane Steichen’s offense, given his surefire hands, his physicality and willingness in the run game as a blocker, and his overall flexibility as an offensive weapon. When it comes to what type of tight end the Colts are looking for, HC Shane Steichen provided his thoughts on the matter during his media availability at the NFL Combine on Tuesday evening. Head coach Shane Steichen on the importance of a tight end being able to run block on top of being an effective pass catcher: “To be multiple at that position, to be able to run block and pass catch is huge. Being able to affect the game on third downs as a pass catcher is huge.” The Colts just missed out on TE Brock Bowers in last year’s draft, and now more than ever, are offered an opportunity to right their wrongs. Not to suggest that Warren will be on-par with Bowers’ efforts as a day one NFL player, but this draft class in question is littered with potential difference-makers at the position. Colts general manager Chris Ballard admitted during his end-of-season presser that last season’s tight end room left more to be desired. “We didn’t get enough production from them… I’ve got to be able to give Shane [Steichen] and them a guy that can really control the middle of the field, that teams have to account for and defend,” said Ballard. The Indianapolis Colts need to afford as many weapons as possible on the offensive side of the ball so that there are no excuses for third-year QB Anthony Richardson moving forward. Not only would Tyler Warren serve as a security blanket at the position that the Colts have been missing since Jack Doyle retired, but he too would provide offensive-minded head coach and play-caller Shane Steichen with an enticing new chess piece to utilize however he sees fit.
Raiders quarterback: Pros, cons of Matthew Stafford trade
Matthew Stafford | Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images Would it be worth it to acquire 37-year-old? The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly one of the teams interested in trading for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Tuesday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady is recruiting Stafford to Las Vegas by reaching out to his camp. Wednesday, it was reported the Raiders strongly in the mix for Stafford. Thursday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the Raiders seem comfortable in meeting Stafford’s contract demands, which could move along the trade talks in general. Here are some pros and cons for Las Vegas of pursuing Stafford: One reason Raiders are pushing for Stafford is they’re lukewarm on Sam Darnold, the other free agents and top of draft class.Stafford and his wife may prefer Las Vegas over NY. https://t.co/IC3kar21d7 — Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 27, 2025 Pros One of the best options: This isn’t a great offseason to need a quarterback. the options are thin in free agency and the draft class isn’t considered to be top heavy. So, the fact that a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the ability of Stafford may be available is worth considering. Can help win now: New Raiders coach Pete Carroll has said the goal is for the Raiders to compete in 2025 after a 4-13 season in 2024. Getting Stafford could help kickstart the Raiders’ chances in the strong AFC West. A good fit with Pete Carroll: Carroll and Stafford are familiar with each from their time together in the NFC West. They are both Super Bowl champions and are both highly experienced in their respective goals. They’d probably be on the same page together, Also, Raiders quarterbacks coach Greg Olson has history with Stafford. He was a senior offensive coach with the Rams in 2022. ConsHave to give up compensation: The Rams reportedly are seeking a first-round pick in return for Stafford. There’s no way the Raiders should surrender the No. 6 overall pick for a 37-year-old player. So, the price tag could be a stumbling block, especially if a bidding war begins. Won’t be cheap: Stafford reportedly will be seeking a multi-year contract worth in the $50 million range. Yes, the Raiders are projected to about around $10 million in salary-cap space in 2025 (the second most in the league), but spending that kind of money at the quarterback position would eat into that amount for a team with a lot of needs. Short-term answer: At 37, Stafford isn’t going to play forever. So, the Raiders would be looking for their long-term solution at quarterback in the near future again if they do trade for him. Conclusion: It will likely come down to trade-compensation cost. With, at least, three other teams reportedly interested in Stafford, the price-tag may get high. So, the Raiders need to be careful when it comes to adding a quarterback they will likely have to replace soon, anyway. This can’t be anther repeat of the Carson Palmer trade. But, if the price is right, this move is worth considering for Las Vegas.
Giants news, 2/28: Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Ward, Travis Hunter on Shedeur Sanders, more headlines
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images New York Giants news for Friday Good morning New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Matthew Stafford rumors: Do the Los Angeles Rams really intend to trade him? Did Aaron Rodgers approach the New York Giants? That depends on who you ask Do trades for elite veteran quarterbacks work out? Salary cap officially set at $279.2 million Greg Cosell: Cam Ward worthy of No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL Draft Report: Abdul Carter advised against foot surgery Howard Cross III would ‘love’ to follow his father to New York Giants 2025 NFL Draft prospect profile – Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina 2025 NFL Combine preview: defensive line and linebackers New York Giants 2025 free agency | New York Giants 2025 Draft | New York Giants 2025 coaching tracker Other Giant observations Joe Schoen will put it all on the line with this Giants QB call | New York Post Can Joe Schoen sing? Can he carry a tune? Can he belt out a melody? Does he enjoy Broadway musicals? If the answer to any of these is “yes,’’ then Schoen needs to get behind a microphone and belt out “This Is The Moment,’’ the “Jekyll & Hyde” showstopper that aptly defines this precise juncture Schoen finds himself in as he attempts to return the Giants to relevance. Travis Hunter scouting report on Shedeur Sanders Travis Hunter says Shedeur Sanders’ “accuracy and love for the game” is what makes him a special player pic.twitter.com/izW9PWbCRo — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) February 27, 2025 Travis Hunter: How NY Giants view two-way star at NFL Combine | The Record Asked who would win in a showdown between Travis Hunter the wide receiver and Travis Hunter the cornerback, Hunter playfully quipped: “Travis Hunter.” Hunter wants to play 100% of the snaps on both sides of the ball in the NFL, and that’s what he’s telling teams in his meetings when the topic arises. His reasoning: “”They say, ‘Nobody has ever done it the way I do it,’ [and] I tell them, ‘I’m just different.’” Identifying Every NFL Team’s Dream Draft Targets in 2025 | Bleacher Report Day 2 Target: CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss. They need to find a way to add at least one veteran who could become a starter, but they should also be utilizing the draft to add to the room. Getting Trey Amos in the second round would be a huge addition. He draws a comparison to Carlton Davis in his scouting report from Cory Giddings. At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, he has desirable height but also has the quick feet to mirror receivers in man coverage. He’s a willing tackler who could help improve the overall attitude and talent of the Giants secondary. 2025 NFL Draft: The ideal haul for every team in the first three rounds | PFF New York Giants: QB Cam Ward, CB Benjamin Morrison, Edge J.T. Tuimoloau. The Giants haven’t concealed their desire or need for a high-profile quarterback, and they’d be thrilled if they could take Ward without having to maneuver out of No. 3. While Sanders has appeal with Malik Nabers and the New York market, Ward (6.3% big-time throw rate) has the higher ceiling, and Brian Daboll could help improve his internal clock. It’s good that New York possesses two other picks in the top 65 because the team’s defense could use upgrades at cornerback and edge rusher. Landing Morrison’s upside at No. 34 is worth a swing, while Tuimoloau (87.3 PFF run-defense grade) could help fill Azeez Ojulari’s void — and even take over for Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2026. Campus Connections: Prospects discuss Giants ties | Giants.com Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg and DL Jah Joyne roverlapped with Giants safety Tyler Nubin, who garnered plenty of praise from both of his former teammates. “I learned so much from Tyler,” Lindenberg told Giants.com. “To have him play behind me, get the calls from him, coverage calls, it feels so … there’s not a moment in my mind where I have to turn around and think, ‘Does this guy got my back? Does he know what’s going on?’ There was absolutely none of that. I felt so comfortable with him behind me, and I cannot wait to have the opportunity to hopefully someday play alongside him, play against him, and just see him in the next steps coming forward.” “When I talk about leaders, he was leading by example,” Joyner added. “That’s definitely a guy I look up to, honestly. He doesn’t have to be in your position group. He’s a safety. Definitely a leader.” Giants had ‘really good’ meeting with Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer at NFL Combine | SNY.tv Big Blue has already met with Ohio State pass rusher Jack Sawyer. “I really liked their meeting,” Sawyer told reporters Wednesday. “It was really good. [Brian] Daboll and those guys do a really good job over there. They’re a great team and they’ve had some really successful seasons. They’ll have good seasons in the future too.” “The Giants are a Disaster” “No way I would want to play for the New York Football Giants. The New York Football Giants are a disaster.” —@damienwoody on Matthew Stafford pic.twitter.com/vN6BF3TJRp — Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 27, 2025 2025 NFL Draft: Browns, Giants and Saints among teams most likely to pick quarterback in first round | NFL.com These Giants scream “veteran quarterback” to me — even if they end up drafting one this year at some point — and there already has been chatter about the Rams’ Matthew Stafford potentially being in play. The veteran options are limited, and there are potential drawbacks with all of them. But entrusting a rookie passer with leading the Giants back to competitiveness in Year 1 feels like a stretch to me. If the Giants strike out on landing an unquestioned veteran starter, their likelihood of drafting a quarterback in Round 1 will rise significantly. But I think going the free-agent/trade route is Plan A right now. 32 NFL players
Report: Eagles interview Nunzio Campanile for quarterbacks coach opening
Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images The Birds are looking for their Doug Nussmeier replacement. The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed Syracuse offensive associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile for their own QB coach opening, according to a report from Cuse Nation. The Eagles have had a quarterbacks coach vacancy since last week when Doug Nussmeier predictably followed Kellen Moore to New Orleans to be the Saints’ new offensive coordinator. Campanile is a Fair Lawn, New Jersey native who long coached high school football in NJ before jumping to the college football ranks in 2018. Here’s a snapshot of his coaching experience: 2000–2009 — Don Bosco Preparatory High School offensive coordinator 2010-2017 — Bergen Catholic High School head coach 2018 — Rutgers running backs coach 2019 — Rutgers interim head coach/offensive coordinator/tight ends coach 2020-2022 — Rutgers tight ends coach 2023 — Syracuse interim head coach/tight ends coach 2024 — Syracuse offensive associate head coach/quarterbacks coach As you can see, Campanile has no NFL coaching experience. And his QB coaching experience appears to be limited. That said, the Orange had the NCAA’s top passing offense last year with 370 yards per game. Campanile seemed to get the best out of Kyle McCord: With full trust behind him, McCord led Division I in passing yards (4,326) while rewriting the Orange’s single-season passing records in 2024. The quarterback led Syracuse to nine regular-season wins, tied for its most in a regular season this century. McCord’s success coincides with Syracuse sparking a turnaround in Brown’s first season at the helm following eight years of mediocrity under Dino Babers. Campanile is the first known candidate for the Eagles’ QB coach opening. Here’s a video of him talking ball: And another interview:
2025 NFL salary cap set
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images And it’s massive. As the Cincinnati Bengals approach a critical NFL free agency period, we now know what the salary cap will be. According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million. This comes following reports the cap would be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, an increase of over $20 million from the 2024 salary cap of $255.4 million. With the Bengals looking to get massive contract extensions done for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson, that cap increase will go a long way in helping at least one of those deals get done. Chase is almost certain to get his deal done before next season, while things are a bit iffier with Hendrickson and Higgins, the latter of which could be hit with the NFL franchise tag. Let’s ride. The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million per club, per sources. Another record high. pic.twitter.com/9vm0TvzklU — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2025 Check out our podcasts here on CJ, the Bleav in Cincy podcast feed, Spotify, Amazon, our YouTube channel, and as always, on iTunes! And as always, Who Dey
Chiefs 2025 offseason overview: returning players, free agents, salary cap and the draft
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Which linebackers stood out on first day of testing at the Combine?
Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Rams eye defensive standouts at the NFL Combine, especially at linebacker The first day of on-field testing at the NFL Combine was of particular interest for the Los Angeles Rams as the linebackers took the field along with edge rushers and defensive linemen. A position of need for the Rams this offseason will come at linebacker as they look for an upgrade over Christian Rozeboom. While it’s unlikely that the Rams invest in a linebacker early in the draft, it would not be surprising to see them take one on day two or day three. Here are some standouts from Thursday as well as some notable quotes from player interviews. Linebacker and Defensive Line Standouts LB Smael Mondon, Georgia Smael Mondon dealt with a foot injury at Georgia, but when he was on the field he showed what he was capable of on the Bulldogs defense. I will likely dive into linebackers in a Snead’s Snacks piece for the draft. However, it’s very likely that Mondon makes that list. He did a 10’10 in the broad jump which meets the Rams explosiveness threshold. The 10’10 broad jump was the best among linebackers. Georgia’s Smael Mondon with a 10’10” broad jump, the best among LBs : #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork : Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HTY3up3G2Z — NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025 Mondon’s arms don’t quite reach 32-inches, but at 31.75-inches in length, it’s not something that will turn the Rams off. He also recorded a 1.52-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. If Mondon checks out with the Rams medical team, he’ll be a player that they like a lot. The Georgia linebacker was one of the bigger winners of the night. LB Teddye Buchanan, Cal If you followed my Shrine Bowl coverage, you’ll know that Teddye Buchanan was one of my standouts from the week in Dallas. He is exactly what the Rams need next to Omar Speights as a linebacker that excels in coverage and can be used on simulated pressures. Buchanan did a 10’5 in the broad jump which ranked third among linebackers. He also did a 40-inch vertical which led linebackers. Buchanan fits exactly what the Rams look for at the linebacker position. His broad jump is a testament to his explosiveness and he was highly productive in college with 114 tackles last year at Cal after moving up from FCS. Buchanan would have liked to have run a faster 40-time, but he dominated the explosive drills. While he only did a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, he did crack 21 miles per hour. Buchanan will be an option on day three if that’s where the Rams want to address the linebacker position. DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska While the Rams may not need to take a defensive lineman early in the draft, they could definitely take one later on, especially if Bobby Brown III does not return. If that’s the case, Ty Robinson is going to be a player that they really like at the position. He’s experienced with a hot motor and good get-off. He also has the versatility to play up and down the line which they like. Nebraska DT Ty Robinson ran an official 4.83 forty while reaching a top speed of 20.64 mph, both the fastest marks among defensive tackles. His speed at 10 yards (16.98 mph) is the fourth-fastest by a DT over the last three years. : https://t.co/XTFadPE5Em pic.twitter.com/GG3GhPOUy1 — Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 27, 2025 Robinson was one of the bigger winners on Thursday. The Nebraska defensive lineman had the fastest 40-time among defensive tackles with a 4.83. With defensive linemen, the 10-yard split is much more important. Robinson had a 1.71 to go with a 9’11 broad jump and 33.5-inch vertical. He was one of two defensive linemen to rank inside the top five in the 10-yard split, broad jump, and vertical. This is a very explosive player that also performed well in the position drills. Other Notes and Quotes Is Colston Loveland the tight end Rams need? If Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is available in the 13-17 range, it would not be surprising if the Rams tried to trade up ahead of the Denver Broncos. It is worth noting that the Atlanta Falcons pick at 15. That could be a spot to trade up. Tight end may not seem like the biggest need, but Loveland has gone through the Rams’ draft process by taking their survey and he’s going to be a player that they like. Michigan TE Colston Loveland has met with the Rams. Mentioned the survey that the Rams give out to players that @JourdanRodrigue wrote about in Finding Rams. pic.twitter.com/do7rgFim63 — Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) February 27, 2025 I asked Loveland whether he thought blocking as an underrated aspect of his game and he agreed. He also called himself one of the best route-runners in the draft. Said Loveland, “It definitely is underrated. I’ve been doing it since my freshman year. Obviously going to Michigan they ask you to block and you got to be able to block. I think the past couple of years I just haven’t done it as much. Sometimes I think that can kind of shy people’s vision away from actually what I do in the run game…I would say I’m one of the best route runners in this draft. I truly believe that. I think I have great hands. Obviously I have a lot to work on through my whole game, but I feel like I’m pretty polished and just excited to keep getting better.” With Cooper Kupp expected to get traded, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McVay go back to what he originally wanted to run in Los Angeles. The Rams had some success with 12 personnel last year. Loveland would be a good fit in the Kupp role, while also allowing the Rams to get bigger in the run game. Jahdae Barron impresses in interviews One of the more impressive
Bengals meet with Texas A&M stars Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images The Bengals are fully into draft prep, and these few potentials stars could be part of their late-April plan. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to need to get some help on the defensive line. Having issues both on the interior and exterior of the line this past season, Cincinnati could use extensive draft capital to bring in a player or two to either help Trey Hendrickson get to the quarterback or fill the void in the middle of the defensive line. With limited picks compared to other organizations, the Bengals are going to need to choose wisely when it comes to who they select in the upcoming NFL Draft, an event that will take place in late April. That’s where Texas A&M defensive linemen Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton come into play, and the Bengals clearly may view the two as potential picks. Per Malik Wright, the Bengals have met with both. Nic Scourton lights up and confirms he has met with the Bengals — Malik Wright (@Wrightreportt) February 26, 2025 Shemar Stewart met with Bengals — Malik Wright (@Wrightreportt) February 26, 2025 Let’s dive into a little bit about both. Scourton comes in at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds. He played at both Purdue and Texas A&M, taking the role of linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. As a junior, he had 37 tackles and five sacks. Last season, he went for a conference-high 10 sacks. His ability to rush the passer and also play multiple positions, given his size, might be a huge asset for the Bengals. As for the 6-foot-5, 267-pound Stewart, he spent all three seasons with the Aggies and ended this past season with 31 tackles, six of which went for a loss. Having played 12 games, Stewart was a key piece of the puzzle for the Aggies’ defense. Both are considered edge players who are ranked in PFF’s top 30 prospects and could be on the board for Cincinnati in Round 1 and could provide massive help on that defensive line. It should be something they look intensely at as draft prep continues to heat up.
Colts give Shane Steichen high marks in players’ survey
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Things are far from perfect, but the coach appears well received. When the NFLPA survey was released it ranked the Indianapolis Colts 19th overall for player satisfaction. That is better than last year, but a far cry from where the team should be. Although the franchise still struggles in areas such as team travel and comfort, it has taken the feedback in stride in other categories and improved weaknesses such as strength conditioning and family care options. While it would be ideal to have high marks in all categories, one area that is especially nice and encouraging to see receive praise is Shane Steichen as head coach. Joel Erickson of the IndyStar broke down the survey and pointed out where the head coach excelled. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen received the highest grades in the survey. Colts players gave him an A, praising his ability to build a positive culture, his receptiveness to locker room feedback and his efficiency with player time. This was Steichen’s second year with the team, and the results have been mixed. After knocking on the door of a divisional title, the Colts went backwards last year. While they haven’t established a losing culture, it hasn’t been strong in the win column either. That can cause players to doubt their coach’s vision for the team. Even with the drama of player accountability, or lack thereof, it doesn’t sound like players attribute that to their head coach. There even could have been some questions and a fissure in the locker room regarding how the Anthony Richardson benching was handled. That doesn’t appear to be the case, however. That is good news going into year three for Shane Steichen as he still has a lot to prove. The players still believe in his ability and feel he is on the right track. Building a positive culture and having the ear of your players is essential to being successful as a coach at any level. To keep that grade, he is going to need to translate it into wins. That is the best way to keep players happy and engaged. Knowing that things haven’t been as smooth as possible but haven’t knocked him off track with the team is a huge win.
