Colts Ryan Kelly Rock Solid in Debut, Named PFF Top 10 Rookie for Week 1

If he was supposed to show it, Indianapolis Colts starting center Ryan Kelly sure didn’t play like he was a rookie on Sunday in his career debut against the Detroit Lions.

This year’s first round pick out of Alabama gave the Colts something they’ve rarely seen during the Andrew Luck era of football at the starting center position–namely standout play in pass protection:

Colts rookie C Ryan Kelly surrendered just one pressure (a QB hurry) in 53 pass-blocking snaps against the Lions. pic.twitter.com/qjznwOaRL3

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 13, 2016

It’s stats like these as to why Pro Football Focus (subscription) named Kelly one of their Top 10 rookies during Week 1:

6. Ryan Kelly, C, Colts

As far as preventative care goes after an injury-plagued 2015, Ryan Kelly seems to be just what the doctor ordered for Andrew Luck. He allowed one lone hurry in 53 pass-blocking snaps against the Lions, as the offensive line had one of their most impressive pass-blocking performances in the Luck era. It’s certainly difficult to ask for much more from the rookie.

However, they weren’t the only members of the mainstream media who took notice of the rookie center finally solidifying the Colts offensive line’s interior:

#Colts Film: Ryan Kelly good size and build for a center. Don’t get the sense NTs will pose problems the way they do for some centers.

— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) September 13, 2016

Very solid. Good size for a center. Colts OL (through 1 game) much more stable with him now in the middle. https://t.co/GANuZkllKK

— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) September 13, 2016

Grigson (rightly) pilloried for poor drafts, but the Colts got a good one in Ryan Kelly. Looks like a 5-year vet out of the box. #NFL1000

— Doug Farrar (@BR_DougFarrar) September 13, 2016

With names like Samson Satele, Mike McGlynn, A.Q. Shipley, Khaled Holmes, and Jonotthan Harrison having ineffectively manned the middle for the Colts with Luck behind center, Ryan Kelly has the opportunity to be a revelation at the once turnstile of a position.

So far, so good, as the rookie center showcased his talents and skill-set in a big way this past Sunday. Hopefully, his best is still yet to come–it certainly appears that way.