Indianapolis Colts’ 2026 Tight End Room Features a Pro Bowl Star, Proven Blocking and Intriguing Depth

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with a tight end room that has rapidly developed into one of the most important position groups in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense.

Tyler Warren is the unquestioned centerpiece. The 2025 first-round pick immediately became one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends, finishing his rookie season with 76 receptions for 817 yards, four receiving touchdowns and one rushing score. Warren established franchise rookie records, started all 17 games and earned a place in the 2026 Pro Bowl.

The Colts also retained veteran blockers Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree during free agency. Will Mallory returns as an athletic receiving option, while Sean McKeon provides experience, blocking ability and special-teams value. The most unusual player in the room is Carson Towt, a 6-foot-8 former Notre Dame basketball player attempting to follow Alie-Cox’s path from college basketball to NFL tight end.

Indianapolis’ commitment to the position is about more than roster numbers. The Colts used two or more tight ends on 35.6 percent of their offensive snaps in 2025, up from 24.8 percent across the previous two seasons. General manager Chris Ballard has indicated that the team’s increased use of multiple-tight-end formations will continue with Warren, Alie-Cox and Ogletree returning.

The official roster currently lists six tight ends, although Warren, Alie-Cox and Mallory are the three players listed on the team’s published depth chart. Training camp and the preseason will determine whether Indianapolis keeps three, four or potentially five tight ends on the final 53-man roster.

With Warren entering his second season, the Colts possess a legitimate offensive star at the position. The larger question is whether one of the veterans or younger players can become a consistent secondary receiving option.

Projected 2026 Tight End Depth Chart

1. Tyler Warren — Second Season

Number: 84 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 256 pounds Age: 24 College: Penn State High School: Atlee High School, Virginia Drafted: First round, No. 14 overall, 2025

Bio

Warren enters the 2026 season as the Colts’ starting tight end and one of the most valuable players in Steichen’s offense.

The former Penn State star started all 17 games as a rookie and caught 76 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the football six times for eight yards and another score. Warren set Colts rookie tight end records for receptions and receiving yards while leading all NFL rookie tight ends in receiving yards.

Warren finished tied for sixth among NFL tight ends in receptions and fifth in receiving yards. He played 899 offensive snaps, the sixth-most among all NFL tight ends and more than 100 snaps ahead of every other rookie at the position.

His production was remarkably consistent. Warren caught at least three passes in 15 games and recorded seven receptions for 76 yards in his NFL debut against Miami. He later produced eight receptions for 99 yards against Atlanta and scored a touchdown in four consecutive games from Weeks 4 through 7.

The NFL selected Warren for the 2026 Pro Bowl, making him the 18th rookie tight end in league history to receive that honor and only the second Colts rookie tight end to do so, joining Hall of Famer John Mackey.

Warren’s versatility was already established at Penn State. During his college career, he recorded 153 receptions for 1,839 yards and 19 touchdowns, rushed for 224 yards and six scores and completed three passes, including one touchdown. He finished as Penn State’s career leader among tight ends in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns.

Strengths

• Proven NFL receiving production
• Outstanding versatility
• Ability to align in-line, in the slot, outside or at fullback
• Physical running after the catch
• Strong hands in traffic
• Effective run blocking
• Advanced football intelligence
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Red-zone creativity
• Leadership and toughness
• Excellent durability
• Experience carrying and throwing the football

Areas for Improvement

• Increase receiving touchdown production
• Become more consistent against bracket coverage
• Continue refining route details
• Create more separation against elite man coverage
• Improve efficiency when defenses take away the middle
• Continue developing as a pass protector
• Handle the expectations of becoming a featured offensive star

Outlook

Warren has the potential to become one of the NFL’s elite tight ends in 2026.

Steichen has praised Warren’s ability to run routes, block and create favorable matchups against linebackers and safeties. Ballard has also emphasized Warren’s intelligence and ability to understand the running game, passing game and protection responsibilities required at the position.

The Colts can use Warren as a traditional tight end on one play, move him into the slot on the next and then place him in the backfield as a fullback or ball carrier. His presence allows Indianapolis to change formations without substituting personnel, making it more difficult for defenses to identify whether the Colts are preparing to run or pass.

Warren said his second offseason has allowed him to study a full season of professional film and develop a better understanding of pre-snap details. That experience should help him play faster and recognize defensive adjustments earlier.

After finishing only 183 yards short of 1,000 as a rookie, Warren has a legitimate opportunity to reach that milestone in his second season. He could also challenge for 90 receptions if Indianapolis continues making him one of the offense’s primary targets.

The greatest statistical improvement may come inside the red zone. Warren scored five total touchdowns as a rookie, but his size, physicality and versatility give him the potential to approach double figures.

Warren is no longer simply a promising young player. He enters 2026 as the foundation of the Colts’ tight end room and one of the offense’s most important weapons.

2. Mo Alie-Cox — Ninth Season

Number: 81 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 267 pounds Age: 32 Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia College: Virginia Commonwealth NFL Entry: Undrafted free agent, 2017

Bio

Alie-Cox remains the veteran leader and primary blocking specialist in Indianapolis’ tight end room.

He appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, making six starts and catching 13 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown. He enters 2026 with 127 career receptions for 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns across 125 regular-season games.

The Colts re-signed Alie-Cox in March, extending a relationship that began when the organization added him as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

Alie-Cox has developed into one of the franchise’s most durable players. As of his re-signing, he had appeared in 95 consecutive regular-season games and had missed only one game because of injury since the beginning of the 2019 season.

His path to the NFL remains one of the most unusual stories in professional football. Alie-Cox played basketball at Virginia Commonwealth and had not played organized football since his freshman year of high school before the Colts began developing him as a tight end. At VCU, he totaled 1,092 points, 663 rebounds and 255 blocked shots.

Alie-Cox’s receiving production peaked in 2020, when he caught 31 passes for 394 yards. His offensive role has gradually shifted toward blocking, pass protection and helping create rushing lanes for Jonathan Taylor.

Strengths

• Outstanding size and physical strength
• Proven in-line blocking
• Ability to move defensive ends
• Extensive NFL experience
• Excellent durability
• Reliable pass protection
• Strong hands on limited targets
• Large catch radius
• Red-zone size
• Familiarity with Steichen’s offense
• Leadership and mentorship
• Experience contributing on special teams

Areas for Improvement

• Declining receiving production
• Limited route-running quickness
• Creating separation against linebackers
• Producing more yards after the catch
• Maintaining effectiveness entering his ninth season
• Becoming less predictable when he enters the formation

Outlook

Alie-Cox’s value cannot be measured exclusively through receiving statistics.

Warren will command most of the targets at the position, but Alie-Cox can handle many of the physical assignments that allow Indianapolis to move Warren around the formation.

When the Colts use two-tight-end personnel, Alie-Cox can align beside an offensive tackle while Warren moves into the slot, backfield or another matchup-friendly position. Alie-Cox can also remain attached to the formation as an additional pass protector while Warren releases into a route.

His experience should be especially valuable in the running game. Indianapolis wants to build its offense around Taylor, and Alie-Cox has earned a reputation for accepting the unglamorous blocking responsibilities required to make the rushing attack successful.

He also gives the Colts a dependable target on play-action passes, underneath routes and goal-line plays. Although he may only catch 10 to 20 passes, several could come in important short-yardage or red-zone situations.

Expect Alie-Cox to remain a regular member of the rotation and an important part of Indianapolis’ two- and three-tight-end packages.

3. Drew Ogletree — Fifth Season

Number: 85 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 260 pounds Age: 28 Hometown: Dayton, Ohio High School: Northridge College: Youngstown State Drafted: Sixth round, No. 192 overall, 2022

Bio

Ogletree gives the Colts another experienced, physical tight end capable of contributing as a blocker, receiver and special-teams player.

He appeared in 15 games with five starts during the 2025 season, catching four passes for 27 yards and one touchdown. He was placed on injured reserve late in the season before re-signing with Indianapolis in March.

Ogletree has appeared in 44 career games with 20 starts, recording 22 receptions for 283 yards and four touchdowns. He produced nine catches in both 2023 and 2024, averaging 16.3 yards per reception in 2023 and 12.1 yards per catch in 2024.

The Colts selected Ogletree in the sixth round of the 2022 draft after he played at Youngstown State and Findlay. He recorded 40 receptions for 391 yards during two seasons at Youngstown State after producing 54 catches for 785 yards and 10 touchdowns at Findlay.

Ogletree was a two-sport athlete at Northridge High School, earning first-team All-Ohio recognition in football and basketball. He was also named the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Division III Player of the Year.

Strengths

• Prototypical tight end size
• Physical in-line blocking
• Experience in multiple-tight-end formations
• Strong career average per reception
• Ability to work up the seam
• Red-zone size
• Special-teams experience
• Familiarity with the offensive system
• Starting experience
• Physical athletic background

Areas for Improvement

• Limited 2025 receiving production
• Staying healthy for an entire season
• Creating consistent separation
• Expanding his route tree
• Becoming a more dependable target
• Improving consistency as a blocker
• Establishing a clearly defined role behind Warren and Alie-Cox

Outlook

Ogletree has the ability to become a useful third tight end, but he faces an important training camp.

His combination of size and experience should give him an advantage over Mallory, McKeon and Towt in the competition for a roster position. He has already demonstrated that he can start games, contribute on special teams and occasionally make plays down the field.

Ogletree’s best receiving season came in 2023, when his nine receptions produced 147 yards and two touchdowns. That 16.3-yard average demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays when defenses lose track of him in multiple-tight-end formations.

However, his receiving production declined substantially in 2025. Warren’s arrival was partly responsible because targets were naturally redirected toward the rookie, but Ogletree must demonstrate that he offers more than additional blocking.

The Colts could use Ogletree in three-tight-end formations, short-yardage packages and selected play-action concepts. His special-teams experience also helps separate him from players whose value is limited to offense.

If Indianapolis keeps four tight ends, Ogletree should have a strong opportunity to remain on the roster.

4. Will Mallory — Fourth Season

Number: 86 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 239 pounds Age: 27 Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida High School: Providence College: Miami Drafted: Fifth round, No. 162 overall, 2023

Bio

Mallory is the most experienced receiving-oriented option competing for a role behind Warren.

The Colts selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a productive career at Miami. Mallory played in 58 college games with 40 starts, catching 115 passes for 1,544 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a senior, he earned second-team All-ACC recognition after leading Miami with 43 receptions for 538 yards.

Mallory immediately demonstrated receiving potential as a rookie. He appeared in 12 games with two starts and caught 18 passes for 207 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per reception. His best performances included five catches against Cincinnati and four receptions for 47 yards against Atlanta.

His role has declined since that rookie season. Mallory caught four passes for 29 yards in 2024 and appeared in only two games during 2025, recording one 16-yard reception. He enters 2026 with 23 career catches for 252 yards.

Mallory comes from an extensive football family and also possesses an impressive athletic background. At Providence High School, he played basketball and competed in track, finishing fourth in Florida’s state championships in both the 100 meters and 110-meter hurdles.

Strengths

• Proven receiving production in college
• NFL experience
• Straight-line speed
• Ability to stretch the seam
• Athleticism in space
• Route-running potential
• Strong football background
• Experience playing special teams
• Ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers
• Previous production in Indianapolis’ offense

Areas for Improvement

• Limited blocking strength compared with other Colts tight ends
• Declining offensive involvement
• Adding functional power
• Contributing more consistently on special teams
• Creating a defined role behind Warren
• Improving reliability in pass protection
• Turning athletic traits into consistent production

Outlook

Mallory may be the room’s most interesting roster-bubble player.

His rookie production showed that he can contribute as an NFL receiver. The Colts have already seen him get open down the field, work the middle and provide a more athletic alternative to their heavier blocking tight ends.

However, Warren now fills nearly every receiving role that once gave Mallory a path to playing time. Warren is larger, more physical and more versatile, making it difficult for Indianapolis to justify removing him from the field for a receiving specialist.

Mallory must therefore demonstrate value in other areas. Improving as a blocker and contributing consistently on special teams would make it easier for the Colts to keep him as their fourth tight end.

The published depth chart lists Mallory behind Warren and Alie-Cox, giving him an opportunity to establish himself during training camp.

If Mallory earns a roster position, he could provide useful receiving depth and insurance behind Warren. If the Colts decide to keep only three tight ends, he may face direct competition with Ogletree for the final spot.

5. Sean McKeon — Fifth Season

Number: 49 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 255 pounds Age: 28 Hometown: Dudley, Massachusetts High School: Shepherd Hill Regional College: Michigan NFL Entry: Undrafted free agent, 2020

Bio

McKeon is an experienced blocking tight end attempting to move from Indianapolis’ practice-squad structure onto the regular-season roster.

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Dallas in 2020 and appeared in 45 games over four seasons with the Cowboys. McKeon’s most productive receiving season came in 2021, when he caught four passes for 27 yards and one touchdown.

McKeon spent time with Detroit before joining the Colts’ practice squad in August 2024. Indianapolis brought him back on a reserve/future contract in January 2025, released him during final roster reductions and then returned him to the practice squad. He appeared in one game for the Colts in 2025 and signed another reserve/future contract in January 2026.

At Michigan, McKeon appeared in 40 games with 23 starts, recording 60 receptions for 668 yards and six touchdowns. He earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition three times.

Strengths

• NFL regular-season experience
• Experience in a professional blocking role
• Good size
• Familiarity with the Colts’ system
• Special-teams experience
• Ability to play in-line
• College starting experience
• Dependable practice-squad depth
• Experience with multiple NFL organizations

Areas for Improvement

• Minimal career receiving production
• Limited athletic upside
• Creating separation
• Producing after the catch
• Beating out younger or more explosive players
• Establishing value beyond blocking depth
• Earning a permanent place on the active roster

Outlook

McKeon represents dependable depth rather than a major offensive weapon.

His experience gives Indianapolis another player who understands professional blocking assignments, protection responsibilities and special-teams expectations. That could become important during training camp, especially if the Colts experience injuries.

McKeon’s challenge is the depth ahead of him. Warren is guaranteed a major role, Alie-Cox and Ogletree were re-signed, and Mallory offers more receiving upside.

To make the active roster, McKeon likely must become one of the room’s most dependable blockers and special-teams performers. He could also remain valuable as a practice-squad player capable of being elevated when needed.

6. Carson Towt — Rookie

Number: 45 Height: 6-foot-8Weight: 250 pounds Age: 25Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona College: Notre Dame and Northern Arizona NFL Entry: Undrafted free agent, 2026

Bio

Towt is the greatest developmental project in Indianapolis’ tight end room.

He signed with the Colts in March only 10 days after completing his college basketball career at Notre Dame. Towt arrived without having played a snap of college football, but his size, physicality and basketball background convinced Indianapolis that he was worth developing.

Towt played four seasons at Northern Arizona before spending the 2025–26 season at Notre Dame. He started 151 of his 154 college basketball games and totaled 1,383 points, 1,357 rebounds, 420 assists, 56 blocks and 105 steals. He earned second-team All-Big Sky and unanimous All-Big Sky defensive-team honors in 2025.

During his final season at Northern Arizona, Towt led the country with 423 rebounds and averaged 8.9 defensive rebounds per game. He also finished sixth nationally with 20 double-doubles. Towt then started all 31 games during his only season at Notre Dame.

Towt’s basketball background gives him several traits that could translate to tight end: body control, rebounding instincts, spatial awareness, physicality and experience securing the ball in traffic.

His situation also provides him with an ideal mentor. Alie-Cox made the same transition after playing college basketball at VCU, and Towt contacted the veteran before signing with Indianapolis to learn about the developmental process.

Strengths

• Exceptional height
• Large catch radius
• Basketball-developed body control
• Rebounding and high-point ability
• Physical playing style
• Experience competing in crowded spaces
• Strong hands
• Impressive college durability
• Defensive mentality
• Significant developmental upside
• Direct access to Alie-Cox as a mentor

Areas for Improvement

• No organized college football experience
• Learning basic blocking technique
• Understanding route concepts
• Learning NFL terminology
• Developing a football stance and release
• Pass-protection recognition
• Adjusting to contact from NFL defensive linemen
• Developing special-teams skills
• Playing with proper pad level
• Converting basketball movement into football movement

Outlook

Towt is unlikely to contribute immediately, but he may have one of the highest developmental ceilings among the players competing for the final roster spots.

The transition from basketball to NFL tight end requires considerably more than catching passes. Towt must learn how to block defensive ends, recognize fronts, understand protection calls, run precise routes and contribute on special teams.

Alie-Cox spent significant time developing before becoming a regular NFL contributor, and Indianapolis should take a similar approach with Towt.

His most realistic initial destination may be the practice squad, where the Colts can develop him without requiring him to handle a regular offensive role. However, his 6-foot-8 frame may attract interest from other teams if Indianapolis exposes him to waivers.

Towt could eventually become an enormous red-zone target or physical in-line player. His rookie season will primarily be about proving that he can absorb the mental and technical demands of professional football.

Position Strengths

The greatest strength of Indianapolis’ tight end room is its established star.

Warren gives the Colts a player who can function as a traditional tight end, slot receiver, outside receiver, fullback, blocker and occasional ball carrier. Few NFL teams possess a player at the position who can handle that many responsibilities without forcing the offense to change personnel.

The group also has considerable size. All six tight ends are at least 6-foot-4, and four weigh 250 pounds or more. Towt stands 6-foot-8, Warren is 6-foot-6 and Alie-Cox, Ogletree and McKeon are all 6-foot-5.

Blocking depth is another strength. Alie-Cox and Ogletree have extensive experience handling in-line assignments, while McKeon provides another physical veteran. Their presence allows the Colts to move Warren into more favorable receiving matchups.

Indianapolis also has schematic commitment. The Colts substantially increased their use of multiple-tight-end formations in 2025, and the organization retained Alie-Cox and Ogletree to continue using those packages.

The room contains several different backgrounds and playing styles:

• Warren is the complete offensive weapon.
• Alie-Cox is the experienced blocker and veteran leader.
• Ogletree provides size, versatility and special-teams value.
• Mallory offers speed and receiving ability.
• McKeon provides dependable blocking depth.
• Towt is the long-term developmental prospect.

That variety gives Steichen several ways to build personnel packages around Warren and Taylor.

Biggest Concerns

Indianapolis’ biggest concern is proven receiving production beyond Warren.

Warren accounted for 76 receptions and 817 yards during the 2025 season. The other returning tight ends combined for only 18 receptions, 160 yards and two touchdowns. Alie-Cox produced 13 of those catches, while Ogletree caught four passes and Mallory caught one.

If Warren misses time or receives constant double coverage, Indianapolis does not have another proven high-volume receiving tight end.

Alie-Cox is a valuable blocker but has not surpassed 13 receptions in any of the last three seasons. Ogletree’s reception total declined from nine in 2023 and 2024 to four in 2025. Mallory has caught only five passes over the last two seasons.

The Colts also face a difficult roster decision. Warren is secure, and Alie-Cox appears highly likely to remain because of his blocking and leadership. That could leave Ogletree, Mallory, McKeon and Towt competing for one or two positions.

Towt’s development creates another challenge. The Colts may believe in his long-term upside, but he is unlikely to be ready for a major regular-season role. Keeping him on the active roster could require Indianapolis to sacrifice a player capable of contributing immediately.

The entire room is also heavily dependent on Warren. His versatility allows the offense to use multiple formations and concepts, but losing him would remove the player who makes those packages especially dangerous.

How Indianapolis’ Tight End Room Compares to the AFC South

The Colts can make a strong argument that they possess the AFC South’s most valuable individual tight end.

Warren already produced 817 receiving yards, earned a Pro Bowl selection and became one of the most frequently used tight ends in the NFL during his rookie season. He gives Indianapolis a centerpiece capable of changing how opposing defenses construct their game plans.

The group’s blocking depth also compares favorably with most teams. Alie-Cox and Ogletree provide two experienced, physical complements who allow the Colts to use heavy personnel without removing their most dangerous receiving tight end.

Indianapolis’ weakness is secondary receiving production. The room is considerably more impressive when Warren is included than it would be without him. None of the other tight ends produced 120 receiving yards in 2025.

For the Colts to develop one of the NFL’s deepest tight end rooms rather than simply one of its most star-driven groups, Mallory or Ogletree must emerge as a consistent receiving option.

AFC South Position Grades

Depth: B+

Blocking: A-

Receiving Ability: A-

Athleticism: A

Experience: A

Versatility: A

Red-Zone Potential: A-

Long-Term Potential: A-

Overall Grade: A-

The Colts receive an A-range overall grade because Warren is already one of the league’s leading young tight ends and the veterans behind him complement his skill set.

The room falls slightly below a complete A because the receiving production behind Warren remains limited and several players are competing for specialized rather than complete roles.

Final Thoughts

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with a tight end room built around one of the NFL’s brightest young offensive stars.

Tyler Warren exceeded expectations during his rookie season. He caught 76 passes for 817 yards, scored five total touchdowns, set franchise records and earned a Pro Bowl invitation. His ability to block, catch, run after contact and align throughout the formation gives Steichen one of the league’s most versatile offensive pieces.

Warren’s next step is becoming a dominant weekly focal point. A 1,000-yard season is realistic, and increased red-zone production could place him among the NFL’s statistical leaders at the position.

Mo Alie-Cox remains an important part of the room despite modest receiving numbers. His blocking, durability and willingness to handle physical assignments make it easier for Indianapolis to feature Warren as a receiver. He also gives the room an experienced leader who understands every stage of the developmental process.

Drew Ogletree provides another physical blocker with starting and special-teams experience. His challenge is rediscovering the downfield production he demonstrated earlier in his career.

Will Mallory offers receiving speed but must prove that he can contribute enough as a blocker and special-teams player to earn a roster position. Sean McKeon gives the Colts dependable veteran depth, while Carson Towt represents one of the NFL’s most unusual developmental prospects.

The Colts do not need every player in the room to become a major receiver. They need Alie-Cox and Ogletree to handle the physical work, one player to establish himself as reliable depth and Warren to continue developing into a star.

The potential is obvious.

Indianapolis has a Pro Bowl centerpiece, multiple experienced blockers and enough size to create difficult matchups in short-yardage and red-zone situations. The team has also demonstrated a willingness to build its offense around multiple-tight-end formations.

If Warren takes another step toward becoming an elite player and one of the complementary tight ends emerges as a dependable secondary target, Indianapolis could possess one of the NFL’s most complete and difficult-to-defend tight end rooms in 2026.