The Indianapolis Colts had a disappointing 9-8 season in 2021 which led them to narrowly missing the playoffs. The frustrating finish led to a great deal of change this offseason. Most notably was the trading of Carson Wentz and the addition of Matt Ryan who is expected to take over as the starting quarterback.
The franchise has a renewed optimism heading into this season with the exclamation point being put on by their recent draft class. Despite being without a first-round pick, the Colts added eight players set to make an impact. There is rightfully excitement surrounding second-round pick Alex Pierce and several other notable picks, one guy is getting overlooked in the discussion.
Colts rookie sleeper for 2022 NFL season
It is not often 6th round picks make an immediate impact, but this could be the case with TE Andrew Ogletree. Colts Head Coach Frank Reich is known for his tight-end friendly offense. This has been a position prioritized throughout his coaching career. Heading into his fifth year as head coach, the Colts needed to make some changes to properly match the roster to his scheme.
Indianapolis drafted two tight ends in this year's draft. The first selection was Jelani Woods who was selected in the third round. The Virginia product possesses great size and is an impressive blocker. Woods is a capable pass-catcher and is sure to be utilized fluidly.
On Day 3 of the draft, the Colts selected Andrew Ogletree as the second tight in the sixth round. Ogletree is still fairly raw but possesses the intriguing skillset of a modern tight end. He is 6’5″ and 260 pounds and moves fluidly. The Ohio native began his college career at Division II Findlay University before transferring to Youngstown State. He also was first-team all-Ohio in both basketball and football in high school.
Ogletree dominated at the DII level which is what drove the transfer. Across his sophomore and junior years, he had over 50 catches and nearly 800 yards. He also led the team in receiving touchdowns and received honorable mention All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors. Ogletree was kept out of the 2019 season and made the transfer to Youngstown State.
He played in just two spring games during his first year with the Penguins. In these two games, he caught 12 passes for 109 yards, averaging 15.6 yards per catch. This strong play increased expectations for the fall and put him on NFL notice. Ogletree started nine of the team’s ten games and caught over three passes per game this season. While his yards per catch dipped to 10.1, he flashed the potential that led the Colts to draft him.
As the team progresses toward the 2022 season, hopes should be high for Andrew Ogletree. He still needs to put the pieces fully together but has the potential to be exactly the player the Colts’ offense needs. His fluid movement and route-running make him an intriguing asset for the Colts. It is set to be a deep competition at tight end for Indianapolis.
In addition to the two rookies, the Colts also hold Mo Allie-Cox and Kylen Granson on the roster. Granson has spent the past two seasons developing under Reich and is likely to have the edge early on. Even so, the Colts have the most tight-end friendly offense in the NFL, and expect them to capitalize on the talent of Andrew Ogletree.
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