COLTS TE PREVIEW: What Will Tyler Warren Produce in Year 2?

The Indianapolis Colts went through a rough patch of tight end play following Jack Doyle's retirement after the 2021 season.

The hope was that Mo Alie-Cox would be the premier piece to replace him, but it was evident that Alie-Cox's true value is more as a blocker than as a pass-catcher. Other options, such as Kylen Granson and Jelani Woods, also failed to pan out.

In 2025, the Colts got the golden opportunity to finally draft a star tight end. Holding the No. 14 pick in the draft, a class loaded with tight end talent, brought them its biggest star, Tyler Warren, from Penn State.

Warren turned out to be exactly what the Colts' offense needed, giving head coach Shane Steichen the type of weapon he'd yet to have in Indianapolis. Now, the hope is that big things are ahead for Warren and the Colts' offense in Year 2.

Tyler Warren

Warren exceeded expectations as a rookie after being made the 14th overall pick in the draft. He set the Colts' new franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (817) on his way to the Pro Bowl.

Warren led NFL rookie tight ends in targets (106), receptions (76), and receiving yards (817), and was third in total touchdowns (5).

In 2026, Warren will help absorb some of the volume left behind by wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was traded this offseason and averaged well over 100 targets per season for his career.

Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree

The Colts re-signed both Alie-Cox and Ogletree to one-year deals in free agency that indicate they have no intention of cutting either of them. They combine to represent about $3.7 million in dead cap and $1.45 million in cap penalties. Neither player poses a significant threat as pass-catchers, but both are premier blocking tight ends. Ogletree's 85.4 grade in pass blocking was No. 1 among NFL tight ends last year, according to Pro Football Focus, and Alie-Cox's 81.3 was just behind, tied for third.

Will Mallory, Sean McKeon, Carson Towt

We're all but certain the Colts will carry all three of Warren, Alie-Cox, and Ogletree, but will Mallory make the roster again? He's made it in each of his three years, but it's increasingly obvious as the years progress that there isn't a noticeable role for a tight end who doesn't block well and doesn't play special teams. Despite being the Colts' next-best pass-catching tight end to Warren, Mallory only sees playing time when someone else is injured. This will be a pivotal fourth training camp for Mallory.

McKeon has established himself as a practice squad mainstay but is a blocking tight end.

Towt is a rookie from the basketball universe, having never played organized football before. He'll likely be a multi-year project.