With training camp approaching in the next month, we continue our previews of the Indianapolis Colts tight end position.
Name: Eric Ebron
Position: TE
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 253
Age: 26
Year Drafted: 2014 (first round)
Background
As the No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Ebron had massive expectations given his draft billing. However, he never truly lived up to the expectations and was quickly labeled as a bust. The Colts didn’t care about that, though, when they signed him to a two-year deal ahead of the 2018 season.
Ebron quickly became a valuable asset en route to a career season. He caught 66 passes for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns—all of which were career highs. His touchdown reception total led the tight end position.
2019 Outlook
Ebron’s outlook for the 2019 season is a cloudy one. His skill set obviously works well in the Colts’ system, but there is a chance his role is reduced some with the return of fellow tight end Jack Doyle from injury and with the additions of wide receivers Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell.
Ebron emerged as the team’s second-best pass catcher behind T.Y. Hilton throughout the season taking advantage of limited playing time when everyone was healthy. However, he became the starter when Doyle missed games and produced tremendously.
Ebron averaged 40.4% of the team’s snaps in games that Doyle played. The same is likely to continue when the latter returns fully and also due to the addition of new weapons.
Bottom Line
There is no denying Ebron is a great both schematically and in the locker room for the Colts. However, he could see a reduced role if the entire offensive unit is healthy. He will still have his opportunities to produce, but they could be reduced during his second season in Indy.
