Colts make trade to move up in 3rd round, select Pitt offensive lineman Matt Goncalves

Former Pitt offensive lineman Matt Goncalves received plenty of pats on the back, hugs and text messages Friday night when he was drafted in the third round (79th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts

One text stood out, however, when he connected with former Pitt defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who now holds the same position with the Colts. Goncalves laughed when he was asked about Partridge.

“I had some explicit words I can’t tell you,” Goncalves said. “I said, `Let’s go.’ We’ll be going after each other (in practice), for sure. I dealt with (Partridge’s linemen) at Pitt. When we went out on Saturdays, it made it very easy for us. I’m expecting the same on Sundays.

“You’re my type of guy!”

Pitt’s @MattGoncalves77 with one of the best draft day phone call reactions ????

???? via @Colts #H2P » @NFLDraft » @NFL
pic.twitter.com/fdc98REg9t

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) April 27, 2024

“I’m sure he vouched for me. I’m very, very grateful.”

Goncalves (6-foot-6 1/4, 317 pounds) said he was a bit “heated” when he saw other tackles picked before him Friday night.

But he said he had good conversations with Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. before the draft. When he got the call from the Colts, “I was very excited. I was fired up.

“I’m still trying to take it all in. Everybody around me was cheering. It’s unbelievable, an out-of-body experience.”

Goncalves said he is “very, very blessed” to get drafted after missing all but three games last season with a toe injury.

“That just goes to show you my talent and my ability to go out and dominate, no matter what,” he said. “I have good film. I have good athletic ability. I never doubted myself for a second.”

When he worked out for scouts at Pitt’s Pro Day in March, he said his surgically repaired toe was only about “85 to 90%.”

But his determination “to show what I got” earned high marks from the Colts. “It never crossed my mind that I wasn’t going to perform (at Pro Day),” he said.

Fresh beef for the O-Line.

Welcome to Indy, @MattGoncalves77! pic.twitter.com/JLScWb2Mv7

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 27, 2024

Congrats @MattGoncalves77!!! Indy got a great one!! #H2P #Pitt2ThePros pic.twitter.com/71ekjeplk6

— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) April 27, 2024

The Colts thought enough of Goncalves to trade with the Arizona Cardinals and move up three spots in the third round to select him, sending the Cardinals their sixth-round selection (No. 191).

ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper, Booger McFarland and Louis Riddick believe Goncalves may begin his Colts career at guard.

“I think he’s a phone booth guy (works in closed spaces),” McFarland said during the ESPN draft telecast. “You don’t put phone booth guys at tackle. I think he can be a swing guard in the National Football League. (It) suits his demeanor, suits his play style. He wants to be aggressive. He wants to hit you in the mouth. That will be good for him.”

“Good developmental prospect,” Riddick said.

Goncalves was mainly a tackle at Pitt, participating in 697 snaps on the left and 973 on the right. He also played guard and spent a week of practice at center.

He said the Colts have not discussed with him where he might play on the line. “We’ll get those talks underway soon,” he said.

Goncalves spent five seasons at Pitt — his only Power 5 scholarship offer — after matriculating from Eastport South Manor (N.Y.) High School in Long Island. He played in 38 games before missing the final nine of 2023 with the toe injury.

“I like to think it’s a pretty serious injury,” Goncalves said. “As much as the toe is kind of insignificant, it plays a big role. It’s hard to get back, especially the big toe.”

????????????????????????

So much for “Pitt took such a nobody he doesnt even have a 247 or Rivals profile”

I’ll never forget those tweets when Matt committed that day. The staff was doing backflips. Jackasses were complaining because he didnt have a shiny star https://t.co/HgcodUykmP

— Karlo Zovko (@Kzovko) April 27, 2024

He was able to train only three weeks before Pro Day, but he responded by recording 19 reps on the 225-pound bench press, running a 5.20-second 40-yard dash and jumping 30 1/2 inches vertically for NFL scouts.

Pitt has had a player selected by the NFL in 11 consecutive drafts. Goncalves’ third-round entry into the league is the highest for a Pitt offensive lineman since tackle Brian O’Neill went in the second round to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.