The Indianapolis Colts made a rare trade-up to conclude Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, doing so to select Pittsburgh offensive lineman Matt Goncalves.
Though adding an offensive lineman wasn't the biggest need for the Colts, they certainly needed to add some depth to the unit, especially on the interior.
Goncalves mainly played offensive tackle during his time at Pitt, but there's a growing belief he will move inside to guard at the NFL level.
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General manager Chris Ballard explained that Goncalves was one of the team's favorite players in the draft, and that they didn't want to lose him with just three spots until their pick at No. 82. So, they gave up a sixth-round pick to move up three spots.
"He was one of our favorite o-linemen in the draft and that’s including all of them. He was one of our favorite," Ballard said Friday night. "We did not want to lose him.
Goncalves spent the majority of his time playing offensive tackle, and he missed most of the 2023 season due to a foot injury. However, he started 13 games at right tackle and 11 games at left tackle.
MORE: 3 things to know about Colts' Matt Goncalves
Goncalves could compete with second-year player Blake Freeland for the swing tackle role. He also could work his way into a depth role at either guard spot. The Colts aren't eliminating the chances he can play center either.
"Being able to get Matt in the third, come back and get a tackle/guard – he’s got a lot of position flexibility," said Ballard. "He’s started at left tackle, started at right tackle. We think he can play guard. We’re not so sure he can’t play center. So, excited to get him.”
It will be interesting to see what role Goncalves will play with the Colts, but they clearly believe he will be a versatile asset to an offensive line that improved greatly in 2023.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
