The Indianapolis Colts brought in quarterback Philip Rivers on a one-year deal hoping the passing offense will improve upon his arrival. One player that might benefit from that switch is tight end Jack Doyle.
Though he’s not an elite option in the tight end landscape, Doyle should have plenty of relevancy in the fantasy football community as a late-round target even if the Colts wind up drafting a tight end at some point in April.
Target share
The Colts passing offense wasn’t good in 2019. We know that. But Doyle’s presence was still felt and his target share in the offense reflects that he still holds a big role in the passing game.
With an upgrade at quarterback, the passing game should be better for Doyle and the rest of the offense. He was tied for the team lead in targets (72) and his 14.8% target share was 10th in the NFL among tight ends, per The Fantasy Footballers.
With Eric Ebron out of the picture and no clear WR2 in the offense yet, Doyle should continue to be featured in the passing game heavily.
Trustworthy target
We know that Rivers likes to throw the ball downfield when he has the chance, but he’s also smart enough to know when the shorter play is better. Doyle thrives on being a short-range target as 46 of his 72 targets were 10 yards or fewer, per Pro Football Focus.
Typically working in the middle of the field, Doyle will be a trustworthy safety valve. He has reliable hands and is savvy enough to find subtle ways to gain separation. The target share will be there, and Doyle should be a player that gains the Trust of Rivers quickly.
Limited upside
Because Doyle isn’t a superb athlete or one that can break off a big play at any moment, his upside is limited. The tight end landscape is such a crapshoot that many fantasy managers prefer to stick with an upside play over a safer option like Doyle.
Even in his best year, Doyle is going to be a TE6–10. He doesn’t have the upside to be a top-5 fantasy tight end. But he’s a solid late-round target if you’re looking for a stable piece at tight end while pairing him with a potential upside play.
Conclusion
No one is excited when looking at Doyle in their lineup. His upside is limited, which deters many fantasy managers, but he can provide a stable option at a volatile position.
He’s likely to be undrafted or go as a late-round target, but his target share in the offense and his pairing with Rivers will have benefits in terms of fantasy production when the season rolls around.
Doyle should be viewed right now as a weekly streamer with some touchdown upside.