Colts: Eric Ebron Ready to Make an Impact in Indianapolis

When the Colts signed free agent tight end Eric Ebron to a two-year $13 million deal this offseason, it was unclear what role the team would want him to play in the offense.

New Colts tight end Eric Ebron was a highly-ranked prospect coming out of the draft in 2014, and he did not disappoint in his days with the Detroit Lions.

The UNC product racked up 47, 53, and 61 receptions in his final three years in Detroit. He was targeted by Matthew Stafford at least 70 times in each of those seasons.

Now in Indianapolis, the tight end seems to be excited to work with another Colts newcomer; head coach Frank Reich.

Ebron went on Good Morning Football on Wednesday morning and talked to talk about his experience with the Colts thus far and his relationships with Andrew Luck and Reich.

"“Frank [Reich] is great” Ebron said “Me and Frank [Reich], we click. He’s done great things with tight ends, as you look at Zach Ertz and his offense last year.”"

When you look at the numbers, it is hard to disagree with what Ebron said.

Last year under Reich, the Eagles’ offense targeted tight ends 165 times according to Fantasy Pros, which was good for second in the league. With Reich’s “quick-strike” style, it is essential to have talented tight ends who can get open and catch the football.

This is probably why Ebron and Reich have struck up a great relationship in such a short time.

"“I think he’s brought me in here to be that effective player for him.” said Ebron"

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A motivated Ebron is exactly what the Colts need to revive a once dominant offensive unit. With him and Jack Doyle on opposite sides of the ball, it gives the Colts a scary double tight end set that could free up space for receivers such as T.Y. Hilton and Ryan Grant over the top of the defense.

Of course this plan requires a healthy Andrew Luck, who has still yet to practice with the offense or even throw a football yet through OTA’s.

Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been taking the first team reps for the Colts this offseason, trying to get the newcomer Ebron comfortable with his new team. Instead of worrying about practice reps with his star quarterback, Ebron is focusing on his relationship with Luck.

"“Right now Im just making as many jokes as I can just to stay relevant in his mind.” said Ebron. “With me just getting here I obviously don’t know much about what’s going on (with Luck). But I do know that he is Andrew Luck, and when he is healthy, he’ s one of the most dominant quarterbacks in this league.”"

Ebron has gone on record saying that Andrew Luck is one of the main reasons he chose to come to Indy.

Reich is not the only member of the Colts that has helped develop successful tight ends. In only a few short years, Luck helped the like of Colby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, and most recently Jack Doyle become weapons in this league. Fleener inked a five-year $36 million deal with the New Orleans Saints after several stellar seasons in Indiana with Luck.

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When Luck gets back from injury, Ebron says he will be ready to go.

"“Whenever he gets healthy I’ll just tell him I’m Seven-Eleven, I’m always open.”"

The pieces of the puzzle seem to be connecting for Reich and the Colts. Yet, fans will not know how it will all shake out until opening day in just under three months.

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