Colts 2014 Positional Review: Tight End
By Evan Reller
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Contract: $1,699,615
Stats: 51 receptions, 774 yards, 8 touchdowns
PFF Grade: -3.2
The Good:
Fleener is developing into a very dangerous downfield threat. He was third on the team in receptions and tied for most receiving touchdowns. Fleener’s low PFF grade stems largely from his inability to be effective in the blocking game, but he was +4.6 when it came passing. He was also ninth in DYAR and 14th in DVOA this season among tight ends.
At this point in his career, Fleener is set to be more productive than Dallas Clark was. Fleener had nearly double the number of yards and touchdowns in year three than Clark.
The Bad:
Fleener has two issues: inconsistency and blocking. Fleener would be better suited lining up exclusively in the slot and being utilized in the passing game. He was consistently average when it came to helping block a pass rush but was average to awful in terms of run blocking.
Fleener also struggled with dropped passes and had six drops this season. When he’s dialed in, Fleener can go off for 100-plus yards and multiple touchdowns (see: Week 11 vs New England and Week 13 vs Washington, even with drops).
2015 Outlook:
Fleener’s proven his value in the passing game and his consistency has improved each season. Expect him to make a moderate improvement in 2015, but even a repeat of 2014 wouldn’t be a disappointment.
Fleener’s also on the list of 2012 draftees who need to be re-signed. Given his history with Andrew Luck, he’s basically a lock to stick with the team.