The Colts should finally address an offensive skill position again where it’s arguably been long overdue—for good.
Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports suggests that the Indianapolis Colts should focus on strengthening their tight end position this offseason, as it’s a key area of need. The Colts have struggled to get meaningful production from their tight ends, which has played a role in the challenges rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has faced in the passing game. Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox combined for just 26 catches, 329 yards, and one touchdown this season, highlighting the need for a playmaker at the position.
This isn’t surprising, as the Colts essentially received minimal contributions from their tight ends in the passing game, which likely added to Richardson’s development struggles. While the tight end group was solid in run blocking, they consistently faced issues with drops, creating separation, and getting open.
Both Granson and Alie-Cox will become free agents this offseason, with the latter expressing a desire to join a winning team. Fortunately for the Colts, this year’s tight end draft class is one of the deepest in recent memory, with Penn State’s Tyler Warren widely regarded as the top prospect in a talented group.
Tyler Warren…Colston Loveland…Mason Taylor…Elijah Arroyo…Terrance Ferguson…Gunnar Helm
This tight end class is loaded.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 29, 2025
The Colts have made efforts to upgrade the tight end position in recent years. They were reportedly interested in Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro rookie Brock Bowers, but he was taken just before their pick at 13th overall in last year’s draft. The team also invested a 3rd-round pick in 2022 on the now-injured, physically imposing tight end Jelani Woods, whose future with the team remains uncertain after missing two consecutive seasons.
However, those efforts haven’t resulted in significant progress. The Colts must secure a game-changing tight end, and with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have an opportunity to do so.
This upgrade is long overdue, as the Colts haven’t had a true impact player at the position since Pro Bowler Jack Doyle retired in 2021, or since Eric Ebron had a standout 2018 season, catching 13 touchdowns from former franchise QB Andrew Luck. This move is essential for Richardson’s continued development, especially with the pressure mounting for the 2025 season, which is critical for the team’s top leaders.
Even the Colts’ long-time general manager, Chris Ballard, after much trial and error, has come to the same conclusion.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard on the TE position:
“We didn’t get enough production from them… I’ve got to be able to give Shane [Steichen] and them a guy that can really control the middle of the field, that teams have to account for and defend.” pic.twitter.com/HljUDAgxMD
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) January 10, 2025
Saying it is one thing, but actually making it happen this crucial offseason is a completely different challenge.
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