4. Darion Griswold, TE Arkansas State
With Coby Fleener departing for the New Orleans Saints in free agency, there’s an opening on the Colts depth as the team’s 3rd tight end behind starter Dwayne Allen and his primary backup Jack Doyle.
The Colts used all three of their tight ends last season, as the team typically deployed Doyle in an H-back role in addition to his normal tight end duties. This means that whoever ends up as the team’s 3rd tight end could see considerable playing time going forward.
Griswold’s production doesn’t “wow” on paper, as the tight end caught a meager 13 receptions for 187 receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions during his senior campaign. However, it’s his size at 6’5″, 255 pounds and athletic ability as a former basketball standout that could help him earn a roster spot.
Right now, the Colts last tight end spot figures to be up for grabs between converted basketball star Erik Swoope (who spent this past season on the practice squad), 2nd-year pro Mike McFarland, and another undrafted rookie Mike Miller from Taylor.
That’s not to say Griswold won’t have to earn his roster spot, but at the same time, there’s not as much proven competition that his fellow undrafted free agent teammates at other positions may be facing.
Certainly, Griswold can help his Colts cause by blocking at a high level–something that the team’s 3rd tight end will be called upon to perform frequently:
Indianapolis Colts UDFA TE Darion Griswold recorded run block grades of +1.0 or greater in 11 games over the past two seasons
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016