The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to return from their summer break on July 28 for training camp, barring any changes. We will be previewing the majority of the roster as the summer progresses.
Name: Mo Alie-Cox
Position: TE
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 267
Age: 26
Free Agent Year: 2021 (RFA)
Background
The Colts took Alie-Cox from the hardwood at VCU hoping to transition him to a mismatch at tight end on the gridiron. He has made steady progress since joining the Colts during the 2018 offseason and now has a chance to carve out his role in the offense in 2020.
After sitting on the practice squad for most of 2018, Alie-Cox got his first taste of the field in 2019. He appeared in all 16 games while playing 33% of the offensive snaps. Used mostly as a run-blocker, the Colts are hoping Alie-Cox can take a step forward as a pass-catcher in 2020.
Expected Role
With Jack Doyle returning on a brand-new extension, Alie-Cox will be working likely as the TE3. That said, he can compete with Trey Burton for the TE2 role and given the latter is merely a pass-catcher, Alie-Cox could wind up seeing more snaps. It will all come down to how many 12 and 13 personnel packages the Colts implement, but Alie-Cox will see a decent amount of snaps during the 2020 season.
2020 Outlook
Alie-Cox has all the makings of being a mismatch tight end in the NFL. His run-blocking is his strength right now, but he is showing some improvements as a route runner. That area is where he must continue progressing if his role in the offense is to evolve. Despite playing on 354 snaps in 2019, Alie-Cox saw just 11 targets.
The former VCU basketball standout has the size, speed and athleticism to make an impact in the passing game. He can be a strong red-zone weapon as well, but he has to continue making strides as a route runner. It will also come down to how he fares in the competition against Burton.
Bottom Line
The Colts don’t need to rely on Alie-Cox as the starting tight end, but they want to get him involved. He can be a mismatch in the passing game if continues improving as a route runner and will have a big task ahead of him competing against Burton for the TE2 role.
