Indianapolis Colts: Top 5 Training Camp Position Battles to Watch
By Kyle Nishida
Third Tight End Spot
With Coby Fleener joining the New Orleans Saints this offseason, there is an open third tight end spot on the roster. The Colts have a few candidates who could fill in behind Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle on the depth chart.
Right now, Erik Swoope, Darion Griswold and Mike Miller are all battling for the third tight end spot. All three players have suited up in one NFL game combined, which is why this position battle is very intriguing.
Swoope has very little football experience. He spent his entire college career playing basketball at the University of Miami. Swoope has been on the team’s practice squad for two years trying to learn how to be an NFL tight end. If there was ever a time for him to make the team, this would be the year.
Meanwhile, both Griswold and Miller are undrafted rookies. Griswold accumulated 65 receptions, 892 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns in his four-year career at Arkansas State. On the other hand, Miller recorded 80 receptions for 959 yards and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver at Taylor University (Uptown, Ind.).
Swoope and Griswold probably have the best chances of making the roster. Miller is more of a project because he never played tight end in college. Miller seems like a player the Colts will try to stash on their practice squad.
It will be interesting see who wins this position battle between Swoope and Griswold. One could think Swoope has the advantage because he has been with the Colts for two years. However, Griswold was listed on Mel Kiper’s top 30 undrafted free agents list.
It is not often the third tight end spot garners a lot of attention. However, due to the Colts’ lack of receiver depth, a strong tight end group will be essential for them in 2016.
Next: Fourth & Fifth CB Spots