Despite already having a ton of talented tight ends on the roster, the Indianapolis Colts decided to select another tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft. In the fifth round, Indy drafted Will Mallory from the University of Miami. With Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods, and Drew Ogletree all on the roster, there was a question about if Mallory would even make the team and what his role would be if he did.
Now, 14 weeks into the season, Mallory is coming off a five-catch performance for 46 yards where he was Indy’s second-leading receiver in a game. The rookie has been a contributor from day one and his contribution seemingly grows each week. As the Colts head into the final stretch of the season, Mallory seems to be one of the team’s top tight ends.
Highest graded rookie Tight End from Week 14:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 11, 2023
🙌 Will Mallory, Colts pic.twitter.com/cK3Uc2ZQuh
Will Mallory is making plays for the Colts
Second-year tight end Jelani Woods, who many expected to take a big leap this season, has been out all year. Additionally, Kylen Granson and Drew Ogletree have missed games with injuries. That has all allowed Mallory to find his way onto the field. Once on the field, Mallory made plays.
On the season, Mallory has 13 receptions for 141 yards in eight games. He has caught at least two passes in each of Indy’s last three games, and as previously stated, Mallory had five receptions for the Colts on Sunday. Mallory even has more catches and receiving yards than Mo Alie-Cox, though, Mallory hasn’t scored while Alie-Cox has been in the end zone twice.
With a Jelani Woods return seeming unlikely, Mallory should have the opportunity to continue his development for the rest of the season. Hopefully, he’ll be able to build off his most recent performance and will blossom into a reliable offensive weapon for the Colts.