5 breakout stars to watch for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 29: Michael Pittman Jr. #11 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to make a catch in the third quarter during their game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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3. Mo Alie-Cox, TE

In 15 games last year, his third NFL season, Alie-Cox set career-highs with 31 catches for 394 yards and two touchdowns. He was third on the depth chart at times, behind Trey Burton and Jack Doyle, but Burton is a free agent. So “Mo A-C” should only be behind Doyle, with a chance for more snaps.

Alie-Cox has transitioned from being a basketball player in college (VCU) to NFL tight end, with the size (6-foot-5, 267 pounds) that might be expected there. That also means he’s fairly raw, with flashes of potential. In Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings last year he topped 100 yards, with touchdowns in back-to-back games after that. He never topped 50 yards in a game after Week 2 or got to 50 yards after Week 3, but he got a fantastic 78.2 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus for the season.

Reich likes to use multiple players, sometimes to the point of stubbornly not using the best players. Zach Ertz trade speculation won’t go away until at least after the draft. But even if he’s reunited with Wentz, Alie-Cox will still have an argument as the Colts’ best tight end.

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