Why the Colts tight end competition is tighter than you think

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, July 18th 2025 at 16:27 GMT by The Sporting News
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The Colts tight end position battle is an competition worth watching. Peter Miller breaks down what makes it so intriguing.

Why the Indianapolis Colts' Tight End Competition is One of the NFL's Most Intriguing Battles

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where roster battles can define a team's season, few position groups are generating as much buzz this offseason as the tight ends for the Indianapolis Colts. As the team gears up for what promises to be a pivotal year under head coach Shane Steichen, the competition at tight end isn't just about filling a spot—it's about unlocking the full potential of a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson and elevating an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. This isn't your typical depth chart skirmish; it's a multifaceted showdown involving veterans, rising stars, and unproven talents, each bringing unique skills that could reshape the Colts' aerial attack. Let's dive deep into why this competition matters, who the key players are, and what it could mean for the franchise's fortunes.

At the heart of this intrigue is the Colts' philosophical shift toward a more dynamic, pass-heavy offense. Steichen, fresh off his success with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he orchestrated one of the league's most potent attacks, has made it clear that tight ends will be integral to his scheme. Unlike traditional blocking specialists, Steichen envisions his tight ends as versatile weapons—capable of lining up in the slot, stretching the field vertically, and creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. This approach draws inspiration from successful models like the Kansas City Chiefs with Travis Kelce or the San Francisco 49ers with George Kittle, where tight ends aren't just safety valves but primary playmakers. For the Colts, who ranked in the middle of the pack in passing yards last season, finding the right mix at this position could be the difference between a playoff push and another year of rebuilding.

Leading the charge in this competition is Mo Alie-Cox, the towering veteran who has been a fixture in Indianapolis since 2017. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 267 pounds, Alie-Cox embodies the classic "Y" tight end archetype— a dominant blocker with reliable hands in the red zone. His journey from college basketball at VCU to NFL contributor is a testament to his athleticism and work ethic. Last season, he hauled in several key touchdowns, showcasing his ability to high-point the ball in contested situations. However, questions linger about his consistency as a route-runner and his speed in open space. At 30 years old, Alie-Cox is no longer the explosive athlete he once was, and with the Colts emphasizing speed and yards after catch (YAC), he must prove he can adapt to Steichen's up-tempo system. Insiders note that Alie-Cox has been working diligently on his agility drills this offseason, aiming to shed the label of being primarily a red-zone specialist. If he can expand his role, he could solidify himself as the starter, providing Richardson with a dependable target over the middle.

Challenging Alie-Cox for snaps is Kylen Granson, a fourth-year pro who represents the modern, hybrid tight end. Drafted in the fourth round out of SMU in 2021, Granson brings a different flavor to the group with his quickness off the line and ability to separate from defenders in man coverage. At 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, he's not the biggest body, but his route-running savvy and elusiveness make him a nightmare for slower linebackers. Granson's college tape was filled with highlight-reel catches, and he's shown glimpses in the pros, particularly in two-tight-end sets where he can exploit seams in zone defenses. Last year, he emerged as a rotational piece, but injuries and inconsistent quarterback play limited his production. What sets Granson apart is his potential in the passing game; Steichen has praised his football IQ and ability to read coverages on the fly. In training camp reports, Granson has been turning heads with his chemistry with Richardson, often finding soft spots in the defense during 7-on-7 drills. If he can improve his blocking—historically a weak point—he could leapfrog Alie-Cox and become the go-to option in 12-personnel packages, adding a layer of unpredictability to the offense.

Adding fuel to the fire is Jelani Woods, the athletic freak who burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2022 before injuries derailed his sophomore campaign. Selected in the third round from Virginia, Woods possesses rare physical tools: a 6-foot-7 frame, a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, and a vertical leap that rivals wide receivers. His combination of size and speed makes him a prototypical mismatch nightmare, capable of outrunning safeties down the seam or boxing out cornerbacks in the end zone. Woods' rookie year included memorable moments, like a multi-touchdown game that hinted at star potential. However, a nagging hamstring issue sidelined him for much of last season, raising concerns about his durability. Now fully healthy, Woods is determined to reclaim his momentum. Coaches have noted his improved conditioning and route precision, and in preseason scrimmages, he's been a frequent target for Richardson, who appreciates his large catch radius. The big question for Woods is consistency—can he stay on the field and translate his athletic gifts into reliable production? If he does, he could emerge as the alpha in this group, forcing the Colts to rethink their offensive identity around his unique skill set.

Don't sleep on the underdogs in this battle, either. Will Mallory, a fifth-round pick from Miami in 2023, is quietly making a case for more involvement. Known for his speed (4.54-second 40) and sure hands, Mallory spent much of his rookie year on the practice squad but impressed in limited action. His college career was marked by big-play ability, and he's been honing his blocking skills to become a more complete player. Then there's Andrew Ogletree, a 2022 sixth-rounder who has battled injuries but offers intriguing upside as a move tight end. Ogletree's athleticism shines in open-field situations, and he's been vocal about his desire to contribute in any role. The depth here is impressive, with even practice squad types like Nikola Kalinic pushing the starters in drills.

What makes this competition so compelling is its ripple effects on the rest of the roster. Anthony Richardson, the second-year quarterback with a cannon arm and dual-threat capabilities, needs reliable targets to build confidence. The Colts' wide receiver corps, led by Michael Pittman Jr. and the speedy Alec Pierce, is solid, but adding a dynamic tight end could open up the playbook. Imagine Richardson hitting Woods on a deep post or Granson on a crossing route for chunk yards—these are the scenarios that could elevate Indianapolis from a fringe contender to a legitimate threat in the AFC South. Defensively, opponents will have to account for multiple tight end threats, potentially creating opportunities for running back Jonathan Taylor in the ground game.

From a strategic standpoint, Steichen's offense thrives on pre-snap motion and personnel versatility, which this tight end group is tailor-made for. In Philadelphia, he maximized players like Dallas Goedert by using them in various alignments, and he's applying similar principles here. Training camp has been a proving ground, with daily battles in one-on-one drills highlighting each player's strengths. Alie-Cox's physicality shines in run-blocking scenarios, while Granson and Woods excel in pass-catching reps. The coaching staff has emphasized competition, with no clear starter announced, fostering a merit-based environment that could lead to a committee approach early in the season.

Beyond the X's and O's, there's a human element to this story. These players aren't just competing for jobs; they're fighting for their NFL livelihoods in a league where roster spots are fleeting. Alie-Cox, the former basketball convert, represents perseverance. Granson, with his analytical mind (he majored in applied physiology), embodies the cerebral side of the game. Woods, overcoming injury setbacks, is a symbol of resilience. Their stories intertwine in this high-stakes drama, where one breakout performance could change everything.

As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Lucas Oil Stadium to see how this shakes out. Will Alie-Cox hold off the young guns with his experience? Can Granson or Woods seize the moment? Or might a dark horse like Mallory steal the show? Whatever the outcome, the Colts' tight end competition is more than a subplot—it's a cornerstone of their quest for relevance in a competitive division. In a league defined by adaptability, the winner of this battle could very well dictate the trajectory of Indianapolis' season, proving once again that in the NFL, depth and versatility are the ultimate game-changers.

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