Round one of the NFL Draft wrapped up Thursday night in Chicago, and to the delight of Indianapolis Colts fans everywhere (well, this one at least), the team addressed their pitiful offensive line with the selection of Alabama center, Ryan Kelly.

The 6' 4" tall, 311 pound lineman took over the starting center position in 2013 for the Crimson Tide, and played a key role in opening holes for Heisman Trophy winner, running back Derrick Henry, and protecting quarterback, Jake Coker. He received an honorable mention for the All-SEC team his junior season.

For the Colts, he'll be tasked with helping keep franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck upright, after he found himself planted in the turf 118 times last season, second most in the league. He'll also be asked to boost what has been a lackluster running game that ranked 29th overall in 2015 with 1,438 yards, and an average of 89.9 yards per game.

Here what analysts are saying about the selection:

Mike Mayock - NFL Nework:

He is scheme diverse, and can play zone or man. He can play all three interior offensive line positions. He's as good a center prospect as I've seen in years. I think he will be a Pro Bowler.

Mike Tanier - Bleacher Report

Kelly was a three-year starter in the best football program outside the NFL. He reads blitzes, makes adjustments and is athletic enough for zone-stretch blocking. He’ll need a double-team against Aaron Donald-level defenders, but most centers are in the same boat. His championship game may have been a little ragged, but think of it as a dress rehearsal for his first NFL start.

Brent Sobleski - Bleacher Report

The Indianapolis Colts added one of the most consistent and reliable offensive linemen in the draft with the 18th overall pick.

Alabama's Ryan Kelly ranked as the draft's top center prospect by a large margin. The fact he didn't commit a penalty last season shows how talented he is. The feat comes from a combination of athleticism, technique and intelligence.

Of all the prospects selected in the first round, Kelly can have as big of an impact on the Colts as any other.

Russ Lande - USA Today

With the top tackles off the board, GM Ryan Grigson opts to address the interior of an offensive line that has to be better in front of QB Andrew Luck. Kelly should not only ensure that Luck doesn't take as many hits as he did during an injury-aborted 2015 season, but he'll also be an asset to a ground game that hasn't finished better than 20th since Luck, Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano arrived four years ago.

Indianapolis may have revolted if the Colts didn’t address the offensive line in the first round. Andrew Luck needs protection and Kelly should improve the line immediately as the anchor in the middle. He’s stout against pass-rushing defensive tackles and can block on the move in the run game.

Doug Farrar - SI.com

A very safe pick for general manager Ryan Grigson, who has made his share of head-scratchers in the last few years. Andrew Luck has been getting killed with pressure up the middle, and Kelly can come right in and make a big difference. He's a road-grader at the point of attack, but he can also move to the second level and dominate when asked to seal-block linebackers and safeties. Kelly becomes the first solid center for the franchise since Jeff Saturday.

Mike Wells - ESPN.com

The Colts are finally showing their commitment to protecting franchise quarterback Andrew Luck with the pick of Kelly. Kelly hopefully stops the revolving door at that position for the Colts. They’ve started five different players at center since selecting Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012.

Steve Palazzolo - Pro Football Focus

The offensive line has taken a lot of heat in Indianapolis, but they grab the top center on the board in Kelly. Kelly gave up only 11 hurries on the season. He’s strong in the run game, playing with good balance both at the point of attack and at the second level. Every offensive line coach that we talked to this offseason raved about Kelly’s ability, both on and off the field. He’s a great fit for the Colts’ power run scheme and he’ll go a long way toward shoring up what has been a poor center position the last few years.

Love this pick for the Colts. They had to get him. Great pick.

Dan Kadar - SB Nation.com

The Colts had a hole in their offensive line, and it was stopping franchise quarterback Andrew Luck from actualizing his potential. With Kelly playing the pivot, maybe now we can find out how good Luck can be. My rating on Kelly isn't as high as some, but he fills a big need.

Darin Gantt - Pro Football Talk.com

Kelly looks like the kind of player who could start for years to come, and gives Luck the kind of stable center Peyton Manning had for so long in Jeff Saturday.

It’s not necessarily a flashy pick, but it could be the right one.

Rounds two and three begin live from Chicago at 6 p.m. Central tonight on ESPN, ESPN 2, and NFL Network.

Rounds four through seven begin at 11 a.m. Saturday morning on all three networks.

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