Every NFL team has players who never get the spotlight, never have their names circled on an opponent's locker-room whiteboard, and never get credit for a big play when someone else is the focal point. These types of players carry value off the stat sheet, which can be just as important.
The Indianapolis Colts have a very intriguing offense. More specifically, an intriguing group of offensive skill-position weapons. Alec Pierce is inching his way to being an elite wide receiver, and Josh Downs is about to show why he belongs as a secondary primary target. Both players have a ton of upside, and they're both getting first cracks at new opportunities.
Then there's tight end, which, judging by last season, the Colts have a tight end for the future, because Tyler Warren, in just a single rookie season, looks like one of the NFL's best already. The scary thing about that is, he is. At tight end, Warren will get the looks and headlines, but his backup, Mo Alie-Cox, is just as valuable as long as he continues to do one vital thing.
Mo-Alie Cox's presence on the Indianapolis Colts goes beyond routes and catches
Alie-Cox has continued to earn his keep in Indianapolis for almost a decade. For eight seasons, he's done his job well, earning four different contracts with the Colts after beginning his NFL career on the practice squad. Alie-Cox defines what it means to know your role, accept it, and execute it.
Alie-Cox's value on the Colts continues to be recognized after signing another one-year deal this summer. His one-year deals will likely come to an end at some point, perhaps even after this season, but no matter what happens, the Colts know what they'll get from Alie-Cox this year: a strong blocking presence.
Blocking is what Alie-Cox does best, and with Warren exploding onto the scene last season, blocking is really what the Colts need from Alie-Cox more than route running or receptions. The veteran has never filled the stat sheets and has only hit the 300-receiving-yard mark twice in his career. He's also never caught more than 31 catches in a season.Â
Being Warren is what the Colts need from Alie-Cox, which gives him the best opportunity to excel in his role. His heavy blocking duties were evident last season, ranking 19th out of 46 eligible tight ends in run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Over 70% of the snaps Alie-Cox was on the field for came as a blocker.Â
To maintain his value on the Colts this season, Alie-Cox will be called upon again to block, whether it's in a two-tight-end situation where Warren is the target or by himself when the plan is to run Jonathan Taylor. No matter what situation he's in, Alie-Cox's abilities are maximized, which makes it not surprising the Colts brought him back for another year.
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