Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position

In the NFL, a strong tight end group isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic asset that can unlock an offense’s full potential, and the Indianapolis Colts have made that a priority by rostering four talented players at the position. Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position reflects the team’s commitment to building a versatile, resilient offense that can adapt to different game scenarios, from short-yardage situations to deep passing plays. After years of relying on a single primary tight end, the Colts’ 2024 roster features a balanced quartet with distinct skillsets, ensuring no drop-off in production if injuries occur or matchups demand specific roles. Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position also highlights the front office’s foresight—recognizing that modern NFL offenses thrive when tight ends can block, catch, and create mismatches with defenders. This article explores each of the Colts’ four tight ends, how they contribute to the offense, and why this depth has become a key strength for the team.

Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position starts with the team’s veteran leader: Kylen Granson, a fourth-year player who has emerged as quarterback Anthony Richardson’s most reliable red-zone target. Granson, who recorded 41 catches for 460 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, brings a rare combination of size (6’3”, 245 lbs) and speed, allowing him to outmuscle linebackers in the middle of the field and outrun safeties down the seam. His ability to block effectively in both run and pass situations also makes him a three-down player—something few tight ends in the league can claim. Last season, Granson played 78% of the Colts’ offensive snaps, including critical moments in the playoffs, and his consistency has made him a favorite of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “Kylen is the glue of our tight end group,” Cooter said in a recent press conference. “He does everything well, and he sets the standard for the younger guys.” Granson’s experience will be invaluable this season, as he mentors the Colts’ younger tight ends and continues to be a trusted target for Richardson in high-pressure situations.

Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position also includes the team’s biggest off-season addition at the position: free agent signing Irv Smith Jr. Smith, a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, joins the Colts after a career year in 2023, where he hauled in 36 catches for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns. What sets Smith apart is his athleticism—he recorded a 4.63-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, making him one of the fastest tight ends in the league—and his ability to line up in multiple spots, from in-line tight end to slot receiver. This versatility will be key for the Colts, as Cooter plans to use Smith in “12 personnel” (two tight ends, one running back, two wide receivers) to create mismatches against defenses. Smith’s presence also allows Granson to take occasional breaks without sacrificing offensive production—a luxury the Colts didn’t have last season. “Irv gives us a different dimension,” Richardson said. “He can stretch the field and make plays after the catch, which opens things up for everyone else.” Smith’s transition to Indianapolis has been smooth, thanks in part to his familiarity with Cooter’s system (Cooter coached Smith in Minnesota early in his career), ensuring he’ll be ready to contribute from Week 1.

Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position is further strengthened by the Indianapolis Colts’ promising young tight end, Jelani Woods, a third-year player who has quickly become a fan favorite for his highlight-reel catches and physical style of play. Woods, who stands 6’7” and weighs 253 lbs, is a nightmare for defenders to cover—his size allows him to high-point passes over linebackers, while his surprising agility lets him escape tackles after the catch. Though he missed four games last season with an ankle injury, Woods still managed 23 catches for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a game-winning 20-yard reception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. The Indianapolis Colts’ promising young tight end, Jelani Woods has worked extensively with Richardson this off-season, building chemistry that was evident during training camp—he caught 12 passes for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Colts’ three preseason games. “Jelani has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl tight end,” Granson said. “He’s getting better every day, and I’m excited to see what he does this season.” Woods’ role will likely expand this year, as the Colts look to use his size in the red zone and his blocking ability to open holes for running back Jonathan Taylor.

Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position also features the Indianapolis Colts’ blocking specialist, Andrew Ogletree, a fourth-year player who may not get the most catches but is critical to the team’s running game. Ogletree, who played 62% of the Colts’ special teams snaps last season, has made a name for himself as one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL—his strength (he bench-presses 225 lbs 28 times) and technique allow him to take on defensive ends and linebackers, creating lanes for Taylor and other running backs. Though he has just 11 career catches, Ogletree’s value extends beyond statistics: last season, the Colts’ rushing offense averaged 4.8 yards per carry when Ogletree was on the field, compared to 3.9 yards per carry when he wasn’t. The Indianapolis Colts’ blocking specialist, Andrew Ogletree also contributes on special teams, where he’s a key member of the kickoff and punt coverage units. “Andrew is the kind of player every team needs,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “He doesn’t care about stats—he just wants to help the team win, whether that’s by blocking, special teams, or whatever else we ask.” Ogletree’s presence ensures the Colts can run effectively in short-yardage situations and protect Richardson in pass-heavy sets.

Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position concludes with the Indianapolis Colts’ strategic advantage of four tight ends, which gives the team flexibility and resilience that few other NFL franchises can match. Unlike teams that rely on one or two tight ends, the Colts can adjust their offense based on matchups: using Granson and Smith in passing situations to stretch the field, Woods in the red zone to exploit size mismatches, and Ogletree in running situations to block. This depth also protects against injuries—a major concern in the NFL, where tight ends are often targeted by defenders. Last season, the Colts lost Woods for four games, and their tight end production dropped by 30% during that stretch; this year, they have three capable replacements if any player goes down. The Indianapolis Colts’ strategic advantage of four tight ends also makes it harder for defenses to prepare, as opponents can’t focus on stopping one player without leaving another open. “Having four tight ends gives us so many options,” Cooter said. “We can run any play, against any defense, and feel confident we have the right guys on the field.” For the Colts, rostering four tight ends isn’t just a roster decision—it’s a competitive edge that will help them compete for the AFC South title and beyond. As Richardson continues to develop and the offense finds its rhythm, Tight End Depth Secured: Indianapolis Colts Roster Four at Position will remain a key reason for the team’s success, proving that sometimes, strength in numbers is the best way to build a winning offense.