Jack-of-all-Trades: Colts Tight End Jack Doyle

While he may not be the most heralded of the team’s tight ends, the Indianapolis Colts Jack Doyle is no doubt an incredibly valuable player for the Horseshoe. In fact, for those outdoorsmanly inclined, he’s the Colts positional version of a Swiss Army knife given his tremendous versatility.

The 25-year old Indianapolis native and former Cathedral High School standout has quickly become one of the team’s most versatile tight ends with his exceptional ability to run, catch, and block among his other primary responsibilities.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Doyle may be formally listed as the Colts 3rd-string tight end on the team’s depth chart for all intents and purposes, but his actual impact is felt far greater on an offense that runs an abundance of 2 and 3-tight end sets and doesn’t employ a true fullback on its roster.

Every spot on a team’s 53-man roster is very important, and with Doyle’s versatility to play tight end or fullback along with special teams at a high level, it simply makes him an invaluable member of the Colts team.

It’s not just that Doyle can play such positions either, it’s that he plays them very well. According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), the 3rd-year tight end was awarded an advanced overall grade of +4.0 last season, which ranked ahead of Coby Fleener at -3.2 and was just behind Dwayne Allen at +6.2 on the team. Specifically, his +2.9 grade in run blocking was tied with Allen, who’s highly regarded for his own blocking ability, for the best among all tight ends on the Colts.

Doing whatever the team asked of him, Doyle had a productive season for the Colts last year, as he caught 18 receptions for 118 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns along with his other usual “dirty work”. Whether he was playing tight end or fullback, catching or blocking, maybe even special teams, Doyle’s versatility gives the Colts a very useful weapon at its disposal.

While he doesn’t receive quite the household recognition of say another “hometown hero” like George Hill of the Indiana Pacers, Doyle is the Colts very own version. Something that according to an interview conducted with Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star, Doyle understands both the good and bad of:

"“The good part of it is that my family and friends are here,” said Doyle. “And the bad part is that my family and friends are here. So it’s good to be able to go home on Sunday after we have a 1 o’clock game or something and my mom will cook. That’s a good thing. Don’t get me wrong.”“My family is awesome,” added Doyle. “I have a huge family and they’re so supportive and they have so much fun with this. But they also understand that I’m here to do a job and it’s a cutthroat business and you have to bring it every day. So, I really don’t feel like I’m even in my hometown until I go home on the weekend and visit my parents. There’s definitely a balance you have to keep. And my friends and family are awesome at keeping their distance. They know how I am and they try not to bug me too much.”"

The 6’6″, 267 pound tight end has the luxury of playing close to his family and friends, but also clearly looks to avoid the added amount of potential distractions that comes along with it. Something that he’s already clearly managed well.

Doyle may not draw the attention of some of his bigger named tight end teammates, but his “jack-of-all trades” game (pun definitely intended) suits the Colts just fine and would make him a camper’s dream.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

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