The next group up is the Indianapolis Colts tight end room, where we only see one sure thing. Without question, rookie Tyler Warren will be the focal point of the tight ends this season. Anytime you take a potential impact player that early, you must adapt some part of the offense to his skill set.
The Colts tight end room last year was arguably the worst statistically in the league. The entire room contributed only 39 receptions for 467 yards. Those statistics come from a room with little trust and still-emerging or no talent. I do think the room had talent last season, but they were incapable of putting together consistently strong outings. The inconsistent quarterback play factored into that, but this is still a run-first football team.
With only Tyler Warren guaranteed to make the roster, let's discuss the rest of the room, and see where the main battle might be. The expected backup appears to be Mo Alie-Cox, followed by Drew Ogletree. While both seem to be the choice to back up Warren, we know that training camp can change things. This leaves the potential final spot to be between the oft-injured Jelani Woods and second year player Will Mallory.
The Case For Will Mallory
The former 5th round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has not seen much action so far in his young career. So far, in his career total 12 appearances, he has had 18 receptions for 207 yards. Even with the inconsistency at the position, he struggled to find playing time. The Colts drafted him on potential and versatility. He ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the combine (best among all tight ends), and was impressive in the vertical jump.
Mallory showed at the University of Miami that he is total team player, willing to play special teams, block, or catch the ball on routes. Whatever the team needed, he obliged. He has seen a special teams role with the Colts as well. The best argument for him would be to let either Alie-Cox or Ogletree go, as Mallory can be the change of pace tight end. Yes, Warren can do it all (literally) but Alie-Cox and Ogletree are more of the blocking backs that help in protections. Mallory can bring an extension of both skillsets to the tight end room
The Case For Jelani Woods
It's hard to make a fair argument for Jelani Woods as an NFL player right now. That’s the key aspect - right now. Jelani Woods has missed the past two seasons with injuries, and has not been on the field. Like we say with Anthony Richardson, “the best ability is availability.” Until Woods can show that he can stay healthy, you cannot trust him to be a contributing member of the football team.
I am not questioning his ability to be a weapon for the Colts this season if he makes the team. He is the prototypical Chris Ballard tight end: a massive tight end that can both block and catch the ball in space or covered. He is the red zone threat that keeps defensive coaches up at night, but he just cannot stay healthy. If he can have a strong training camp and show the same talent he had at the University of Virginia, then this coaching staff might give him a chance.
Final Prediction
You can see the direction that my prediction is going here. While it has been fluid, I think that Will Mallory has a chance to make an impact this season. The team has a room full of capable players but five that stand out in this tight end room. It is unlikely that they keep five tight ends. The addition of Tyler Warren allows the Colts to be more flexible this season on who they decide to keep, as it will likely be four roster spots. Whether the Colts value blocking or pass catching will likely be the deciding factor.