With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during offseason programs.
We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we’ll devote an entire article to one unit before compiling our predictions at the end.
Up next are the tight ends.
Colts tight ends on the roster
Roster locks: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
Warren will lead the way, while Alie-Cox will continue to serve as TE2 in a blocking-heavy role. He also finished sixth on the team in special teams snaps last season.
With Ogletree, the Colts can get out of his deal during roster cutdowns if needed, but I find it hard to believe that they would. He’s been a rotational member on offense and finished fourth in special teams snaps in 2025.
Will Mallory vs. the field
Mallory is the favorite for the fourth spot on the tight end depth chart — a role he had last season. But he’s not a roster lock either. What does help differentiate him is that he does bring a pass-catching-first presence to the offense, while Sean McKeon is more of a blocker, of which the Colts already have two on the roster in Alie-Cox and Ogletree.
How many tight ends do the Colts keep?
Most teams keep four tight ends, and that’s what we’ve seen the Colts do under Shane Steichen. That said, I wouldn’t rule out the team going light and keeping three this year. The depth of this unit isn’t all that strong, and doing so would allow Indianapolis to keep an extra player elsewhere, such as along the defensive line or in the secondary.
Predicting the Colts’ 53-man roster at tight end before training camp
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
I could whiff on this prediction, but my early guess is that the Colts keep only three tight ends. Mallory played 16 offensive snaps last year and only one on special teams. He was often inactive on game days. I think the Colts can use that roster spot elsewhere and, on game days, elevate a player from the practice squad if they feel they need depth on Sundays.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction: Tight end
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
