Tight end was a position in the 2023 season that was a question mark for the Indianapolis Colts with the uncertain availability of Jelani Woods.
Woods was projected to break out in Year 2 under Shane Steichen but sadly never saw a snap as he dealt with nagging hamstring issues.
What ensued was a collective effort from Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory, and Kylen Granson. Granson, in particular, showed incredible value for the Colts in 2023.
Per Bet Kentucky's breakdown on the "Best Value NFL Tight Ends of 2023-2024 Season," Granson was a massive bargain for Indy when factoring in money and performance. Below are the criteria:
With that said, BetKentucky.com utilized ProFootballReference.com to find the cap hit and receiving yards of every NFL tight end during the NFL regular season. After doing the math of the dollar per point share for each player in the league, we were able to determine the 10 most value driven TEs from this season. Salary and yards were included for all teams the player was on during the 2023-24 season.
Granson led Colts' tight ends in most statistical categories, posting 30 catches for 368 yards, 19 first downs (all position leads), and his first career touchdown. Granson may not have eye-popping numbers, but the Colts were led by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew for most of the season.
Minshew didn't target the tight ends the same way that Anthony Richardson did, but Granson still found a way to have a career-best in receiving yards and yards per catch (12.3).
Third-year Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson has his most productive season of his career, placing ninth on the list with 368 yards at $3,034 per yard with a salary cap hit of $1,116,592 (third highest).
After a season where the expectations were low going in, Granson was able to shine at times. His ability to separate with quickness could be more valuable once Richardson returns. Regardless of who was under center, Granson found himself with some notable NFL tight ends on this list.
Granson will look to put up perhaps his best season yet in 2024, as he will be at the end of his rookie deal. If Woods can return, or the Colts draft/sign an upper-tier tight end, what will Granson's role be?
It will be something to monitor as Indianapolis will undoubtedly have to make important decisions during the offseason and the NFL Draft.
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