Why the Colts tight end competition is tighter than you
The main goal in Indianapolis this offseason was apparent– update the tight end position.
And the Colts did that, selecting Tyler Warren 14th total in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the novice is primed to plug right in as the No. 1 starter, the position group is more crowded and competitive than what initially satisfies the eye.
Warren will definitely command the majority of the reps. However head coach Shane Steichen’s offense runs 12 personnel regularly, meaning incumbent Mo Alie-Cox will see lots of snaps as well provided his obstructing expertise.
After those two, however, the competition heats up. Drew Ogletree has actually been a preferred option at a loss zone throughout his very first 3 years with the Colts. Only 18 career catches, however 3 have been for goals.
Indy’s former second-round choice, Jelani Woods, is back in the mix too after back-to-back seasons handling hamstring and toe injuries. He was among the only positives in a forgettable 2023 season in which the Colts ended up 3-12-1, logging 25 catches for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns as a novice.
Getting in an agreement year, Woods has all the inspiration he requires to prove himself as a viable alternative.
It’s worth keeping in mind that third-year guy Will Mallory also impressed in minicamp previously this spring, building momentum ahead of training camp.
The Indy Star’s Joel Erickson kept in mind that Mallory was a popular target in minicamp.
“Mallory has actually been a frequent target of both quarterbacks throughout the team’s offseason exercises, and (Riley) Leonard struck him 3 times in four plays to begin the 2nd unit’s two-minute drill on Sunday,” he wrote.While long shots to make the lineup, Indy has three other tight ends rostered, Albert Okwuegbunam, Sean McKeon and Maximillian Mang. All three will have a possibility to toss their names in the ring and possibly make things interesting With 2 spots most likely already locked up on
the depth chart, it seems just one, possibly 2 more areas are available. 3 players have a sensible chance at the final lineup, meaning a minimum of one is likely to miss out.All this to say, the tight end position battle is a sneaky good one and worth keeping tabs on.