Indianapolis Colts TE Drew Ogletree transferring up shortly at Colts camp
If you have a look at the Indianapolis Colts tight finish, one phrase involves thoughts: Measurement.
Veteran Mo Alie-Cox stands at 6’5”, 267 kilos with 11.75-inch arms, tied for the biggest on the staff with defensive sort out DeForest Buckner. First-round third-round decide Jelani Woods is even greater at 6’7” and 253 kilos with the velocity to run a 4.61 40-yard sprint. The smallest tight finish on the Colts roster is Kylen Granson, and he is 6’2” and 241 kilos.
The tight finish’s measurement creates noticeable inconsistencies on the sector. Linebackers and defensive backs have a tough time making an attempt to protect gamers of that measurement, particularly once they possess the athleticism that this group has.
Now mix that measurement with a participant with expertise taking part in large receiver, and also you’re taking a look at an actual offensive menace. Meet Drew Ogletree, the 6’5″, 260-pound rookie who spent his first 4 years of school taking part in large receiver.
“It is actually solely my second 12 months taking part in tight finish,” Ogletree admitted after observe Thursday.
It actually would not appear that manner. Coming into camp, it was thought on the surface that Ogletree would have a shot to make the staff, however he must show he belonged as a sixth-round decide. He wasn’t a assure to make the roster.
However as practices start and the depth ramps up throughout camp, Ogletree is taking part in his manner right into a lock to make the Colts’ 53-man roster. Ogletree has been spectacular by means of the primary two weeks of coaching camp, each within the passing recreation and when requested to dam within the run recreation.
“(Ogletree) is transferring up (the depth chart),” offensive coordinator Marcus Brady admitted. “I imply you may see he is taking part in recreation after recreation.”
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Ogletree’s athleticism stands out on the sector. Not solely does he have the dimensions to be a mismatch, however his abilities as a receiver permit him to be smarter and extra fluid down the sector. His abilities as a receiver have not diminished since he is been bulked as much as play tight finish.
“Going from receiver to tight finish, I’ve all the time been an enormous receiver,” Ogletree stated. “I weighed about 225-230. I’ve all the time been greater than the DBs, and now that I am 260-plus, it is an actual benefit for me and a drawback for them as a result of I’ve the dimensions, I say I’ve some velocity and I can bounce. I imply, put all of it collectively, you have bought a fairly good participant.”
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The newbie doesn’t lack self-confidence. By no means thoughts that he is a sixth-round decide from a small college in Youngstown State. Ogletree believes in his capacity, and the flashes he is had in camp solely proceed to spice up his confidence.
“I simply come day after day, doing my job. In case you placed on a present, you placed on a present, however you simply attempt to work in your fundamentals and method in all the pieces. That is what that is about.”
Ogletree had its coaching camp recreation to this point on Thursday. In 7-on-7 work, Ogletree was with the starters when quarterback Matt Ryan threw a move over the center of the sector to the rookie. Ogletree spun within the air and grabbed the move with one hand, holding onto the ball as he hit the bottom for the landing. The group at Grand Park went wild as his teammates booed him after the circus catch.
“I noticed the linebackers break up up and as quickly as I noticed that, I knew I used to be going to get the ball,” Ogletree defined. “I knew Matt was going to step it up. I did not know which manner he was going to throw it. I simply threw my hand up and made a play.”
Internally, the Colts actually like what Ogletree can deliver to this staff. His measurement and athleticism, mixed along with his receiving capacity, could be a weapon on offense. The one query was how the rookie would deal with the transition from a small college to the NFL. Thus far, they’ve been very happy with the progress he has made.
“A whole lot of it’s psychological,” he stated. “Standing within the movie room, studying from the vets, particularly Mo. He’s in his fifth or sixth 12 months now. I am grateful to have such a veteran and likewise to have a fellow rookie (Woods) drafted with me, such good competitors.”
A lot of the thrill surrounding the tight finish place this spring and summer season has been directed towards Woods and what he can deliver to this Colts staff. Whereas Woods has had his moments the place he has shined in camp, it has been Ogletree who has stolen the present most of the time.
As camp continues, Ogletree is a reputation to observe transferring ahead. For a man who was considered on the verge of constructing the roster, we might see Ogletree have a strong position within the Colts offense when the video games begin to matter.
Do you assume Ogletree could make an impression on the Colts offense as a rookie? Inform us within the feedback under!
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