Colts roster preview: Can Will Mallory secure spot on 53-man again?

Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts’ full 90-man roster, previewing each player.

Up next is tight end Will Mallory, who wears No. 86.

• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 239
• Age: 27
• NFL experience: Year 4
• College: Miami

Mallory was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in the 2023 NFL draft. He was the 164th overall selection.

Mallory was the fourth tight end on the roster but played a very small role, appearing in only two games offensively, playing 16 total snaps. He caught one pass for 16 yards. Mallory played only one special teams snap as well.

Mallory will be the favorite to be the fourth tight end on the depth chart again, but I wouldn’t consider him a lock for that role. I believe he does have the upper hand over Sean McKeon, given Mallory is more of a pass-catching-first option at the position. McKeon, meanwhile, has primarily been a blocking tight end in his career, a skill set the Colts already have on the roster with Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree.

That said, I don’t think it’s out of the question that the Colts roster just three tight ends. Mallory’s contributions on both offense and special teams were so small last season — he was often inactive on Sundays — that the team could justify using that roster spot elsewhere. And if the Colts want more tight end depth on Sundays, they can always elevate a player from the practice squad.

Mallory being able to make a greater impact on special teams may end up being an important factor when it comes to him making the final roster.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can Will Mallory secure spot on 53-man again?