Colts 2015 Player Preview: Tight End Jack Doyle

Among the likes of Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Vontae Davis, Robert Mathis, Pat McAfee, and others in a fan voting contest to see who will be on the Colts' training camp posters, tight end Jack Doyle made the list as the top vote getter.  Keep in mind that Doyle is the third string tight end, yet he appears to be a fan favorite who stands a very good chance at making the roster once again this year.

In 2014, Doyle had a very impressive season as the team's third tight end.  He played in every game (one start) and played 469 snaps total, according to Pro Football Focus.  He caught 18 passes for 118 yards and two scores, being a very reliable and sure-handed receiver when Andrew Luck threw his way.  Doyle's primary role was as a blocker, however, and that was his strongest area as well.  With tight end Dwayne Allen missing three games due to injury and being limited in some others, Doyle helped to fill that blocking role and helped the team's run game, also filling in as a fullback at times.  It was actually his second season with the Colts, however, as he played in 15 games in 2013 and made four starts, catching five passes for 19 yards.  Without a doubt, though, he really stood out in 2014 and emerged as a solid and reliable third tight end in the Colts' offense.

That will likely be his role once again in 2015, as Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener return as the starters - making up one of the best tight end duos in the NFL as well.  But Doyle will be there as the third tight end, providing insurance in the case of an injury and solid depth even when Allen and Fleener are at full health.  The Colts are likely to utilize two tight end sets a little less this year as they utilize more of their receivers, but in Pep Hamilton's offense there will still be plenty of use for tight ends, so it's unlikely that we'll see Doyle's role minimized.  In fact, after his impressive year in 2014, we could see him earn a bit more playing time, though taking it away from either Allen or Fleener will certainly be a challenge.  The bottom line, however, is that Jack Doyle emerged as a solid number three tight end for the Colts last year and he should continue to be that in 2015.