With training camp for the Indianapolis Colts getting closer, which players should be on our radars as these practices and preseason games unfold?
As part of our training camp preview, we’ll be highlighting one player from each position group to keep your eyes on. In some instances, it may be one of the Colts’ top players that we’ll be watching closely, or it could be a player fighting for playing time or a roster spot.
Up next are the tight ends.
Colts tight end to watch during training camp: Will Mallory
Tyler Warren is the obvious pick at this position, specifically, how he looks entering his second NFL season, a year in which many players make a big jump. That certainly will be worth watching, but I wanted to go in a different direction and focus on the back end of this position group with Will Mallory.
Mallory was the fourth tight end on the roster last year and is the likely favorite to secure that role again. That said, he’s not a roster lock. Mallory appeared in only two games on offense last season, playing 16 total snaps, and he played just one special teams snap as well.
Sean McKeon could potentially push Mallory for a roster spot, although an advantage Mallory has is that he is more of a pass-catching threat, while McKeon has been more of a blocking tight end. With Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox on the roster, the Colts may not need another blocking-first option.
That said, we also can’t rule out the Colts rostering only three tight ends either. Mallory was often inactive on game days last year, and if the Colts want more tight end depth on Sundays, they can always elevate a player from the practice squad.
Mallory will have to have a strong showing this summer to earn a roster spot once again.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp preview: One player to watch at tight end position
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
