Dwayne Allen fully cleared
Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) does stretching exercises. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts should have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL next season, especially if Trent Richardson is able to break out in his third season in the league after an incredibly disappointing start to his Colts career. An offseason should help him out, but the Colts offense should still be a huge force even if Richardson is mediocre (or worse) next year. They added Hakeem Nicks to an already-talented wide receivers corps led by Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton, and they also have a great, young tight end duo in Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. While Fleener is a decent player, Allen is clearly the TE on the Colts worth watching for the closest, because he has all the tools to be the best tight end in the NFL.
As a rookie, Allen caught a solid 45 passes for 521 yards and three touchdowns, and he was set to get more opportunities to show off his talent as a pass-catcher in 2013. That never materialized due to a crushing, season-ending hip injury in Week 1, but Allen has finally been fully cleared, per Colts official site writer Kevin Bowen, to participate in all activities. He stated that he feels “great”, and Allen could have a monster third season in this league.
One thing that stands out about Allen’s game is his ability to make a big impact as a receiver and blocker, and he’s the ideal No. 1 tight end. He’s not going to be Rob Gronkowski, but he could easily emerge as one of the top five tight ends in this league next season.