Colts 2016 player preview: Center Ryan Kelly

The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason. To pass the time until camp, we’re taking a look at every player on the Colts’ 90-man roster. Today, we’re looking at center Ryan Kelly.

Who is he?

The biggest addition the Colts made this offseason was to use their first round draft pick on Alabama center Ryan Kelly, addressing the middle of their offensive line. Kelly had a very productive career at Alabama, where he played in 46 games (starting 36) and helped Alabama win three National Championships. In 2015, he was named a first-team All-American and the recipient of the Rimington Award, which is given to the nation’s top center. During his final two collegiate seasons, he didn’t allow a single sack.

What is his role?

Ryan Kelly has already stepped in to the starting center role, a job he has held since day one. The Colts have been working this offseason to get him up to speed quickly, and all indications are that Kelly has impressed. The Colts are hoping that he and Andrew Luck can develop into this era’s Jeff Saturday and Peyton Manning duo, but simply giving the Colts good play from the center position would be a significant improvement. That’s what Ryan Kelly can do, and his role as the starter is unquestioned.

What are his chances?

He’s a lock to make the roster and be the team’s starting center.