Colts TE Coby Fleener the Most Improved Player in the NFL?

Jul 31, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) goes through a blocking drill during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The karma surrounding Coby Fleener right now is very, very good. That, or the guy’s hard work is really paying off in year two. As the Colts continue training camp, the former second round pick out of Stanford is getting a bulk of the attention at training camp for his physicality and overall improvement in year two.

“Coby Fleener might be one of the most improved players on any roster.”

Oh, and he wouldn’t want to have left Dwayne Allen out of the conversation either, adding:

“And Dwayne Allen is a beast.”

So much has been made of the Colts’ tight ends through the first few days of camp, but it’s good to finally hear some of the coaches and national media talking about their progress, seeing it in person in full pads.

“He’s probably having the most productive camp, including the time at Stanford, that I’ve seen,” said OC Pep Hamilton.  “The times I’ve been around Coby, he’s a lot more explosive and confident right now.  He’s making plays that big-time NFL players tend to make.”

Head coach Chuck Pagano has taken notice as well.

“If he can keep stacking practices like that on top of one another, then what we talked about in the offseason about him moving forward and having the type of season in year two building off the first year (can happen),” said Pagano.  “He’s a mismatch, he’s a handful for these guys.

With Fleener set to emerge along with fellow second year TE Dwayne Allen, the Colts have a dynamic duo unlike pretty much any other team in the league. If Fleener can live up to expectations–which are pretty lofty–the Colts’ offense could be one of the most exciting in the NFL this year.

So what does Allen think about Fleener’s chance to break out in 2013?

“He’s a guy who is hungry and way more physical,” said Allen.  “Coby understands his time was limited last year because of injury.  He knows he has some doubters out there, but he also knows he can be one of the best tight ends in this league.  He’s going out there this year to prove that.”

Here’s hoping the 6’6″ 250 pound Fleener lives up to these lofty aspirations, not only from himself, but from his teammates and coaches.