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Why the Colts tight end competition is tighter than you think | Sporting News

Why the Colts' Tight End Competition Is Tighter Than You Think

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where roster battles can define a team's season, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in the midst of a surprisingly intense competition at the tight end position. While casual observers might glance at the depth chart and assume a clear hierarchy, a deeper dive reveals a multifaceted struggle that's far more competitive than it appears on the surface. This isn't just about raw talent or past production; it's a confluence of factors including health concerns, schematic fits, emerging potential, and the demands of a modern offense under head coach Shane Steichen. As the Colts gear up for what they hope will be a playoff-contending campaign with young quarterback Anthony Richardson at the helm, the tight end room has become a microcosm of the team's broader aspirations and uncertainties.

At first blush, the Colts' tight end group seems stacked with options, but that's precisely what makes the competition so fierce. Leading the pack, at least on paper, is Jelani Woods, a third-year player whose physical gifts have tantalized fans and coaches alike since he was drafted in the third round out of Virginia in 2022. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a wingspan that rivals some offensive linemen, Woods possesses the kind of athleticism that could make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the red zone, where his size and leaping ability turned him into a reliable target. However, injuries have been the persistent shadow over his career. A hamstring issue sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, raising questions about his durability. Now, entering training camp healthy, Woods is determined to reclaim his spot, but he must prove he can stay on the field and integrate seamlessly into Steichen's offense, which emphasizes versatility and route-running precision.

Challenging Woods for the top spot is Mo Alie-Cox, the veteran presence in the room. At 30 years old, Alie-Cox brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a blocker, which is invaluable in an offense that might lean on the run game to support Richardson's development. Originally a basketball player at VCU, Alie-Cox transitioned to football and has carved out a niche as a reliable, if unspectacular, contributor. His blocking prowess was evident in previous seasons, where he helped open lanes for running back Jonathan Taylor. Yet, Alie-Cox isn't just a one-trick pony; he's shown soft hands and the ability to make contested catches, particularly in short-yardage situations. The question for him is whether he can expand his role in the passing game, especially with Richardson's arm strength potentially unlocking deeper routes. In a competition this tight, Alie-Cox's consistency could be his greatest asset, but he faces pressure from younger, more dynamic athletes eager to eat into his snaps.

Then there's Kylen Granson, a fourth-year tight end who has quietly built a case for more playing time. Drafted in the fourth round from SMU in 2021, Granson is the epitome of the modern tight end—undersized at 6-foot-3 but quick, agile, and adept at finding soft spots in zone coverages. His route-running savvy and ability to create separation make him a natural fit for Steichen's scheme, which draws from the Philadelphia Eagles' playbook where tight ends like Dallas Goedert thrived in multifaceted roles. Granson's 2023 season was a step forward, as he recorded career highs in receptions and yards, demonstrating reliability as a safety valve for quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew. However, his blocking has been a point of criticism; he's not the mauler that Alie-Cox is, which could limit his usage in certain packages. In camp, Granson has been turning heads with his chemistry with Richardson, suggesting he could emerge as a key third-down weapon. The competition's tightness stems from how Granson's skills complement the others— he's not competing for the same exact role, but rather carving out a niche that could force the coaching staff to rotate more than anticipated.

Adding another layer to this intrigue is Will Mallory, a second-year player out of Miami who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. Mallory represents the upside play in this group, with his speed and athleticism drawing comparisons to some of the league's more explosive tight ends. At 6-foot-4 and with a 4.54-second 40-yard dash time from the combine, he has the tools to stretch the field vertically, something the Colts desperately need to open up their offense. His rookie year was limited, with just a handful of snaps, but that was partly due to the depth ahead of him and some minor injuries. Now, with a full offseason under his belt, Mallory is pushing hard in practices, showcasing his ability to high-point the ball and make plays after the catch. The key for him will be improving his in-line blocking, as Steichen's offense requires tight ends who can contribute in all phases. If Mallory can put it all together, he could leapfrog some veterans, making the competition even more unpredictable.

Don't overlook Drew Ogletree, who adds yet another wrinkle. A sixth-round pick in 2022 from Youngstown State, Ogletree has faced off-field challenges, including a suspension in 2023 related to a domestic violence incident, from which he was later cleared. On the field, he's a physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, with strong blocking fundamentals honed in a run-heavy college offense. His receiving skills are developing, and he's shown promise in camp as a red-zone threat. Ogletree's journey back to relevance embodies the redemption arc that could sway the competition— if he stays healthy and out of trouble, his all-around game might earn him significant reps.

What elevates this battle from routine to razor-sharp is the broader context of the Colts' offensive philosophy. Under Steichen, who orchestrated Jalen Hurts' breakout in Philadelphia, the tight end position isn't monolithic; it's about deploying multiple players in hybrid roles. Richardson's dual-threat capabilities mean tight ends must be adept at both blocking for designed runs and leaking out for play-action passes. The offense will likely feature 12-personnel sets (two tight ends) to exploit mismatches, especially with a receiving corps led by Michael Pittman Jr. and the speedy Josh Downs. This multiplicity demands versatility, and no single tight end in the room checks every box perfectly. Woods has the size but injury history; Alie-Cox the blocking but limited speed; Granson the routes but not the power; Mallory the athleticism but inexperience; Ogletree the physicality but unproven consistency.

Training camp reports have only amplified the drama. Observers note that practices have seen rotating first-team reps, with no clear frontrunner emerging. Woods has dazzled with one-handed grabs, but a minor tweak in drills reminded everyone of his fragility. Alie-Cox has been a steady force in run-blocking drills, earning praise from offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. Granson's connection with Richardson on intermediate routes has been a highlight, while Mallory's deep threats have forced defensive coordinators to adjust. Even Ogletree has turned heads with his improved route polish. The coaching staff, including tight ends coach Tom Manning, has emphasized competition as a strength, stating that the depth will allow the team to stay fresh and adaptable throughout the grueling 17-game season.

Injuries, of course, loom large. The Colts' tight end room has been plagued by them in recent years— Woods missed all of last season, Ogletree dealt with legal issues and recovery, and even Alie-Cox has had nagging ailments. This history makes the competition not just about talent but reliability. Who can the team count on week in and week out? Moreover, with Richardson's own injury history (he played just four games as a rookie), the offense needs dependable targets to ease his burden.

Looking ahead, the preseason games will be pivotal. How these tight ends perform against live competition, particularly in blocking assignments and red-zone efficiency, could solidify or shatter their cases. Analysts predict the Colts might carry four tight ends on the active roster, given the depth, but practice squad spots and potential trades add uncertainty. In a division with formidable defenses like the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, having a robust tight end group could be the edge the Colts need.

Ultimately, this competition is tighter than you think because it's not a zero-sum game; it's a puzzle where pieces must fit together. The winner won't be a single player but the collective that best supports Richardson and Taylor. As the Colts chase relevance in the AFC South, their tight end battle underscores a team in transition—talented, deep, and fiercely contested. Fans should buckle up; this storyline has the potential to shape the season in unexpected ways. (Word count: 1,248)

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