When the Indianapolis Colts took the field last season, they established one undeniable identity: power football. Behind the dynamic rushing duo of Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, the Colts pounded defenses into submission, becoming one of the league’s most physical, ground-oriented offenses. Both Taylor and Richardson eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards, forming one of the most lethal QB-RB rushing combinations in the league.
Now, the Colts’ front office has doubled down on that identity — and they’re making sure it’s built to last in the trenches.
In a bold offseason move, Indianapolis has acquired two of the NFL’s most respected and technically sound linemen: Joe Thuney and Ronnie Stanley. The cost? Two third-round picks. The gain? Stability, leadership, and elite-level protection for a young franchise quarterback who’s ready to take the next step.
The Additions: Two Proven Anchors
Joe Thuney — The Technician
Few offensive linemen in football embody consistency like Joe Thuney. A former All-Pro guard, Thuney has built a reputation on durability, intelligence, and flawless technique. Across his career, he’s started nearly every game since entering the league, and he’s rarely penalized. Thuney’s calling card is his precision — he’s a lineman who wins with fundamentals, footwork, and awareness rather than brute force.
For Indianapolis, that matters. Thuney brings the kind of veteran presence that can elevate an entire offensive line room. His ability to identify blitzes, communicate pre-snap adjustments, and execute in both pass protection and zone blocking makes him an invaluable asset — particularly for a team that loves to pull guards and move the line laterally in the run game.
Thuney’s versatility also allows him to play on either side of the formation, and he fits perfectly into the Colts’ offensive philosophy. With Indianapolis frequently mixing gap and zone schemes to keep defenses guessing, Thuney’s blend of athleticism and discipline fits like a glove.
Ronnie Stanley — The Protector
On the other side, the addition of Ronnie Stanley gives the Colts a true bookend tackle with elite pedigree. When healthy, Stanley has long been regarded as one of the league’s premier left tackles — a former All-Pro and cornerstone of dominant Baltimore offensive lines built on physicality and rhythm.
Stanley brings length, athleticism, and a smooth pass set that can neutralize even the best edge rushers. More importantly, his experience in run-heavy systems translates directly to what Indianapolis wants to do. In Baltimore, Stanley was accustomed to blocking for a mobile quarterback and a dynamic rushing attack. That experience makes him the perfect fit for a team led by Anthony Richardson, whose blend of power and speed demands linemen who can sustain blocks and adapt on the move.
At 30 years old, Stanley still has plenty of high-level football left in him, and his leadership will help shape one of the deepest, most balanced lines in the league.
The Fit: A Line Built for Power and Precision
Last season, the Colts’ offensive line was solid but inconsistent. Injuries and youth created some uneven performances down the stretch, even as the team continued to find success on the ground. Adding Thuney and Stanley doesn’t just upgrade two positions — it reshapes the entire identity of the front five.
Imagine this unit on paper:
- LT: Ronnie Stanley — All-Pro pass protector and run-blocking technician.
- LG: Joe Thuney — Smart, versatile, and dependable.
- C: Bernhard Raimann — Young leader and communicator in the middle.
- RG: Quenton Nelson — The emotional and physical tone-setter, still in his prime.
- RT: Braden Smith — A steady, powerful right tackle who thrives in the run game.
That’s an offensive line loaded with experience, football IQ, and nastiness. On paper, this group could easily be considered the best offensive line in football. It’s balanced across every position — no weak link, no learning curve, just a wall of talent protecting Richardson and paving lanes for Taylor.
With that much talent up front, the Colts can impose their will on anyone. Expect them to continue leaning on a ground-and-pound philosophy — designed runs, play-action passes, and heavy formations that wear opponents out over four quarters.
The biggest beneficiary? Jonathan Taylor, who thrives running behind technically sound guards like Thuney. The lanes will be wider, the second-level blocks cleaner, and the short-yardage situations easier to convert. Combine that with Richardson’s explosiveness on zone reads and quarterback keepers, and this offense could once again lead the league in rushing.
The Cost: Sacrificing the Future for the Present
Of course, every major move comes with a price. The Colts parted ways with two third-round picks to make these acquisitions happen — a tough pill to swallow for a team that values developing homegrown talent.
Third-round selections often provide depth and long-term building blocks at key positions. Giving up two of them hurts, particularly for a franchise that has built much of its roster through the draft. It’s a calculated gamble by the front office: choosing short-term dominance and veteran leadership over developmental upside.
But in today’s league, where windows close fast and young quarterbacks need protection to thrive, this move makes sense. Anthony Richardson is on a rookie contract, Taylor is in his prime, and the AFC remains as competitive as ever. Adding two proven linemen now sends a clear message — the Colts are trying to win now.
The tradeoff is simple: sacrifice a little of tomorrow for a chance to dominate today.
How It Changes the Offense
This upgraded offensive line allows head coach Shane Steichen and his staff to open up the playbook. Expect to see more complex run designs — power pulls, trap plays, and motion-heavy looks — that rely on timing and cohesion between linemen. With Thuney and Stanley anchoring the left side, the Colts can confidently attack that edge, forcing defenses to overload the box and opening up the passing game.
Richardson’s growth as a passer will also benefit. Fewer pressures and cleaner pockets mean more opportunities to take shots downfield. It’s easy to forget that Richardson threw for over 3,000 yards last season while also rushing for 1,200 — and that was behind a less experienced front. Give him protection like this, and the sky’s the limit.
In short, this move doesn’t just make the Colts better in the trenches — it could make their entire offense more dangerous.
Veteran Leadership and Locker Room Impact
Beyond the on-field production, both Thuney and Stanley bring something equally important: championship-level professionalism.
Thuney has been part of multiple Super Bowl runs and understands what it takes to win in January. Stanley, meanwhile, has fought through adversity and injuries, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Together, they bring credibility and maturity to a young, hungry locker room.
Offensive linemen often set the tone for a team’s culture — quiet, disciplined, and relentless. With veterans like Thuney, Stanley, and Nelson leading by example, the Colts’ offensive identity will only strengthen. This is a locker room that already believes in physical football. Now, it has two more veterans who’ve lived it.
Final Thoughts: Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Statement
Yes, losing two third-round picks hurts. It limits flexibility in future drafts and reduces the ability to build depth cheaply. But the Colts are clearly betting on the idea that dominant offensive line play can carry them deep into the postseason now.
In a league defined by quarterback play, protection, and time of possession, these moves check every box. The combination of Thuney, Stanley, Nelson, and Raimann might be the most formidable interior-to-edge protection in football. Pair that with a dual-threat quarterback and an elite running back — both of whom topped 1,200 yards last year — and you have a formula that can win ugly, win in the snow, and win in January.
For Indianapolis, this isn’t just about adding talent. It’s about identity. It’s about building a team that knows who it is — a team that hits you in the mouth, keeps hitting you, and never stops running the football.
The message is clear:
The Colts are all in.
And with Joe Thuney and Ronnie Stanley leading the charge in the trenches, that ground-and-pound attack just became the most feared in the league.
