The last time the Tennessee Titans played the Indianaplis Colts, I chose left tackle Bernhard Raimann as the one player I’d steal from Indy for the Titans. Rather than doubling down on him, I decided to go a slightly different route this time around.
The Titans need help all across the offensive line, and Indianapolis legitimately has one of the best tackle tandems in the league.
Therefore, I decided to pick Colts right tackle Braden Smith this week. Since the start of 2019, Smith has received an overall grade of 75.5 or higher in each of those five seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
The Auburn product currently owns the seventh-highest grade amongst all tackles (81.4) after he’s pitched a shutout in terms of sacks allowed all year long. He also owns the second-highest run-blocking grade in the NFL.
Braden Smith:
7th ranked overall tackle
33rd Pass Block
2nd Run BlockBernhard Raimann:
8th ranked overall tackle
8th Pass Block
24th Run BlockBest duo in the NFL? #Fortheshoe pic.twitter.com/UJSrHTSEDF
— Ʊ Bring The Juice Ʊ (@BTJPod) November 27, 2023
Smith’s presence would immediately help to keep Titans quarterback Will Levis from getting hit so much, and he’d also be someone the team can run the ball behind, which would be a big boost for Titans running backs Tyjae Spears and Derrick Henry.
Overall, Smith is a very well-rounded player at a position of need, and that makes him an easy choice for this week’s “gimme him” article.
