For a decade, Auburn has fielded one of the SEC’s most powerful offensive lines and simultaneously struggled to produce successful linemen at an NFL level.

Braden Smith could be the man to buck both of those trends.

Indianapolis initially envisioned Smith as a guard, but that was before injuries kicked him out to right tackle during training camp, before injuries and tragedy forced Smith into the starting lineup at right tackle two weeks ago, before Smith held up well against both the Patriots and Jets.  

“Right now, it’s looking like Braden’s spot, with the way he’s playing,” Colts coach Frank Reich said.

Indianapolis took something of a risk when it selected Smith in the second round of April’s draft.