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According to head coach Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts backup offensive guard Jake Eldrenkamp could be a key solution to the team’s perceived lack of proven offensive line depth as a developmental interior lineman (via The IndyStar’s Jim Ayello):
Frank Reich mentions lineman Jake Eldrenkamp as someone they expect to take another step forward this year and develop as quality depth.
— jimayello (@jimayello) May 26, 2020
I believe Chris Ballard mentioned him after the draft as well. High hopes for a guy they claimed off waivers around this time last year.
Of course, the Colts lost some of their established offensive line depth as versatile swing-lineman Joe Haeg signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and OG/OC Josh Andrews to the New York Jets earlier this offseason respectively.
The 6’5”, 300 pound Eldrenkamp is a bit of an unknown commodity for the Colts, as he was claimed off waivers by the Colts in May of 2019 from the New England Patriots and was later promoted from Indianapolis’ practice squad in mid-December of last year.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, Eldrenkamp has also spent time with the Cleveland Browns practice squad among his other pro stops.
The former University of Washington product was coached by Colts current offensive line coach Chris Strausser at Seattle, so the Colts coaching staff may like his talent and potential as a swing-guard at the next level.
Along with Colts’ rookie 5th round pick Danny Pinter and last year’s 7th round pick Javon Patterson (who missed all of last season with a torn ACL), Eldrenkamp is supposed to help solidify the interior depth that the Colts just lost along their offensive line—by hopefully taking another step forward in his development.
Although unheralded, Eldrenkamp is certainly a name to watch for reinforcing the Colts offensive line depth this upcoming season—given that he’s a player frequently thrown around in recent conversations by the franchise’s top leadership.