The Colts don’t necessarily have the “go-to” option at the tight end position, but when it comes to the makeup of this room, they have options and a variety of skill sets for Shane Steichen to utilize.
Within this position group, there are two potential competitions that will take place. The first is for the top spot on the depth chart, although, again, with a variety of skill sets at this position, we are going to see multiple players regularly contributing each week. So, admittedly, TE1 or TE2 may not mean a whole lot.
But nonetheless, this is a battle that likely comes down to either Jelani Woods, or Kylen Granson. As I wrote recently in my starting lineup projection, Granson would be the safe pick, given his availability, having played a season in Steichen’s system, and that he can affect the game in a few different ways as a move tight end.
However, as Woods discussed earlier this offseason, he is feeling better than ever and wants to earn his spot back as a pivotal member of this offense. With elite speed, Woods could be a force in the passing game, particularly over the middle in Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense.
“I know what I can do,” Woods said. “I know how well I can help the offense. I know I can be a pivotal point in the offense, and I’m just trying to show that and earn the respect back, earn my spot back. And so, pretty much do whatever I can to show them Jelani’s here.”
The other competition within this room could be between Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree. Realistically, between those two, Woods, Granson, and Will Mallory, keeping five tight ends on the 53-man may not be an option because that would mean going light at another position group.
Alie-Cox and Ogletree both helped fill the more blocking specific role within the offense as well. Alie-Cox has more experience, which is certainly valuable, but if Ogletree can showcase that he can handle a heavier workload, the Colts could roster the younger player who is still on a rookie deal–not to mention that releasing Alie-Cox saves $5.92 million in cap space this season.
Solid play this season from the tight position will help unlock different elements within the Colts offense. Having players who can fill different roles will allow Steichen to really play matchups, not to mention that there is a layer of unpredictability this position group can add, when there are players who can be moved around and take on different responsibilities.