Expert Gets Critical on Colts' Position Group

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the worst collections of pass-catchers at this spot.
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA;  Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson (83) stretches for a pass while New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson (83) stretches for a pass while New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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The Indianapolis Colts have promising playmakers on offense running back Jonathan Taylor, receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, their worst offensive position is tight end.

The Colts' prominent tight ends are Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory. However, despite having the lowest ceiling, Alie-Cox has been the most consistent. ESPN's Stephen Holder was honest about the group and lack of production.

Indianapolis' tight ends rank near the bottom of the NFL in most important receiving categories. The unit is last in receptions per game (2.3), last in receiving yards per game (26.4) and its two total touchdown receptions is tied for 23rd. The combined drop rate of 5.2% ranks 27th.

Stephen Holder | ESPN

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Holder provides some scary statistics from a position that was to be a safety blanket for Richardson to find easy completions. Alie-Cox (11 receptions), Ogletree (eight), Granson (seven), and Mallory (four) have 30 catches of the team's 216 total (13.9%). Likely the biggest disappointment has been the veteran Granson.

While Granson has never been a top-tier tight end, he was a serviceable move piece in 2023 and 2023, tallying 61 catches 670 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Fast-track to 2024 and Granson's seven catches have yielded 94 yards and no scores. He's also secured a measly 36.8% of his 19 targets. Don't expect Granson in a Colts uniform after this year.

Jelani Woods missed back-to-back seasons with injury and Granson likely won't be re-signed, so expect Indianapolis to use the 2025 NFL draft to invest in the tight end position. Richardson needs as many weapons as possible to throw to, and the Colts can't generate anything until Woods is healthy and hits his potential or another player is drafted.

With only four games left to prove something, we'll see if Indy's position group can put together any respectable performances before the playoffs start.


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Drake Wally
DRAKE WALLY

Drake Wally covers the Indianapolis Colts at Horseshoe Huddle and co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.