Colts’ 2021 training camp preview: TE Jack Doyle
The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their spring workouts at the end of May and will return for training camp sometime at the end of July to prepare for the 2021 regular season.
Before that happens, we will be going through the majority of the roster to preview their background, projected role and bottom line with the team entering training camp.
Now, we turn our attention to the tight end position and the expected starter in the room.
General Information
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Name: Jack Doyle Position: TE Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 262 pounds Age: 31 College: Western Kentucky Free Agent Year: 2023
Background
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Originally a signee with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Doyle was claimed by the Colts just before the start of the regular season. Doyle held a reserve role for the most part during the first three seasons of his career before earning a starting role in 2016. Since then, he has been the starter in the tight end room, playing the most snaps and receiving the most targets at the position when he's on the field. In 2020, Doyle appeared in 14 games (12 starts), recording 23 receptions on 33 targets for 251 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Expected Role
AP Photo/Gary McCullough
For now, Doyle is the expected starter in the tight end room. He might get some push from Mo Alie-Cox should the latter develop more of his route running. But given his ability to block and subtle nuance in finding holes in the zone, he's likely to lead the room in snaps again.
2021 Outlook
AP Photo/AJ Mast
Doyle wasn't a major part of the passing game for the Colts in 2020. However, his skill set is similar to that of Zach Ertz in that they both are sure-handed, can find soft spots in the zone and are essentially a non-factor after the catch. This could lead to Doyle seeing targets in the short area of the field as a safety blanket for new quarterback Carson Wentz, who was known to utilize Ertz at an extremely high level. Doyle shouldn't be expected to make a major impact in the passing game, but he will still see his share of targets.
Bottom Line
AP Photo/AJ Mast
Doyle doesn't have to prove anything more than he already has during the first three years of Frank Reich's tenure. As long as he stays healthy, he's likely to be the one to lead the room in snaps and potentially targets if Alie-Cox hasn't taken that next step.
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