The Indianapolis Colts selected Miami tight end Will Mallory with the No. 162 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Though the tight end position wasn’t much of a need, the Colts did admit to liking this class and the depth of prospects in 2023. So it’s not totally shocking to see them add to the position.
Here’s our instant analysis of the pick:
How this pick helps the Colts
Adding potential offensive weapons is never a bad idea. Mallory is a solid athlete with straight-line speed with the ability to make an impact as a receiving option. He should provide some competition for the final spot in the room.
What this pick means for offense
We shouldn’t expect Mallory to come in and carve out a massive role in the offense, especially right away. There is some potential for his role to grow if Mo Alie-Cox is let go or traded after the 2023 season, but this likely is a depth addition for the tight end room in Year 1.
How he will be used
Mallory best projects as a move tight end with a little more size and speed than Kylen Granson. Mallory has a lighter build at 239 pounds so he likely won’t be doing a whole lot of inline blocking.
Scouting Report
Here’s a scouting report on Mallory from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who gave him a Round 6-7 grade:
Move tight end with good build-up speed and adequate athleticism as a route runner. Mallory’s production was often set up by play-action and rub routes, but he has the potential to find catches on his own. He needs to play with better aggression and strength to not only own the catch space but handle run-blocking duties when called upon. Mallory has an opportunity to fight for a TE3 roster spot but competition could be tight.
Quick grade
Mallory is a solid athlete with good straight-line speed and solid receiving chops to be a rotational move tight end. He comes from a football family and will compete for the final spot in the tight end room, but he will be 24 years old as a rookie. With a crowded tight end room, Mallory has his work cut out for him with his main competition being Andrew Ogletree, but there is upside as a receiver.
Grade: B-
