BS #71

Braden Smith

Offensive Tackle · Auburn

A former All-American at Auburn who quietly became one of the NFL's steadiest right tackles over eight seasons in Indianapolis.

Braden Smith built his reputation at Auburn as a dominant run blocker before the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2018. Across his career he has been regarded as one of the league's more underrated tackles, known for stretches of not allowing a single sack, and for the courage he showed in stepping away mid-season to address his mental health.

★ First-team All-American, Auburn (2017)

★ PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)

★ Colts Ed Block Courage Award recipient (2025)

★ 92 career starts, second-round pick in 2018

Path to the league

Smith started 41 consecutive games across four seasons at Auburn, earning first-team All-American and All-SEC honors as a senior in 2017 while also winning the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. The Colts selected him in the second round (37th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Smith was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2018 and helped anchor an Indianapolis offensive line that led the NFL in fewest sacks allowed. He posted multiple seasons, including 2020 and 2023, without allowing a single sack, and made 92 career starts for the Colts.

2025 season recap

Smith started 14 games for the Colts in 2025 before a Week 14 concussion and neck injury landed him on injured reserve. He was voted by teammates as the Colts' Ed Block Courage Award recipient for the season, recognizing his perseverance.