A pre-training camp, position-by-position look at the 2009 Indianapolis Colts: The Tight Ends

June 22, 12:57 PMIndianapolis Colts ExaminerJohn Oehser

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In the third of a position-by-position series, we'll examine the Indianapolis Colts' tight end position entering 2009 training camp . . .

The tight end position is one of the most solid on the Indianapolis Colts' roster, a position with star power and as much young depth as any position on the team.

The Colts have Dallas Clark, who has developed into one of the NFL's top tight ends, and after that, they have a group of young players with potential who have yet to show one way or the other if they are long-term players. Gijon Robinson started 14 games at H-Back, but isn't yet a big-time receiving threat and two second-year players -- Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme -- didn't play enough last season to provide evidence of what their futures may hold. Tamme had flashes in training camp last season and Santi made a big play early in the season, but Tamme played sparingly in the regular season and Santi missed much of the season with injuries.

Entering the season this is a position largely of unknowns. By season's end, that won't likely be the case.

Breaking down the Colts' tight end position . . .

Dallas Clark, seventh season, Iowa. Clark has developed steadily into one of the best players in the NFL at his position, and a strong argument could have been made for him to be in the Pro Bowl last season. He caught 58 passes for 616 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007 and 77 passes for 848 yards and six touchdowns last season. He missed the Pro Bowl last year partially because of the presence of Antonio Gates in San Diego and Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City. Pro Bowl or not, Clark has developed into far more than a complement in the Colts' offense. He now is a major reason for the Colts' success and a major reason the offense is still one of the NFL's best. Outlook: This could finally be the season Clark breaks through and makes the Pro Bowl.

Gijon Robinson, second season, Missouri Western State. Robinson isn't the glamor player that Clark is, but he started 14 games at H-Back last season opposite Clark. He spent the 2007 on the practice squad, but the Colts instered him at the H-Back position last season with the idea that he could develop into a solid run-blocking tight end. He caught enough passes to be a minor factor in the passing game, but this season will be important to determine if he is a long-term option at the position. Outlook: Likely will enter the season as the H-back.

Tom Santi, second season, Virginia. It's hard at this point to know what the Colts have in Santi, although a case can be made that he made a solid contribution considering the amount of time missed because of injuries last season. He missed much of training camp and preseason with a bursa sac problem, returning for the Colts' Week 2 victory over Minnesota. He caught 10 passes for 64 yards, with his most memorable moment coming in early October, when he caught what initially appeared to be a meaningless touchdown pass. Minutes later, the Colts had rallied for a historic, season-saving victory over the Houston Texans. Santi didn't catch a pass the rest of the season and was placed on injured reserve in November. Outlook: Will likely play a more extensive role and could be an important part of the offense if healthy.

Jacob Tamme, second season, Kentucky. As is the case with Santi, it's hard to judge Tamme based on his rookie season. He played 12 games, but as the receiving tight end behind Dallas Clark he didn't have many significant opportunities. He caught three passes for 12 yards, but it's rare for any rookie drafted outide the first round to make a significant impact in the Colts' offense. Tamme has soft hands and a knack for getting open, but it will be interesting to see if the Colts can find a place for him in the offense. Outlook: Is probably ready for increased role, but where?

Jamie Petrowski, second season, Indiana State. The Colts signed Petrowski to the practice squad last season and moved him to the 53-man roster in late November and early December. This was after a season-ending injury to Santi, but with Clark, Robinson, Santi and Tamme healthy, it's a tough task for Petrowski to make an impact. Outlook: Not likely to make roster.

Colin Cloherty, rookie, Brown. He signed as a free agent shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft after catching 99 passes for 1,211 yards and nine touchdowns in college. As is the case with Petrowski, the Colts' depth and youth will mean making the roster will be difficult. Outlook: Not likely to make roster.

Synopsis

This may not be a dramatic training camp for the Colts at the tight end position, but by season's end, they likely will know much, much more about their future at the spot. Is Robinson a long-term solution as the starting H-back? Can either Santi or Tamme develop into a versatile enough player to play alongside Clark in the two tight-end formations the Colts historically utilize? However those storylines develop, one that seems likely to occur is the continued emergence of Clark as one of the NFL's premier tight ends. With TE Tony Gonzalez out of Kansas City and the AFC and into the NFC with Atlanta, Clark has a real chance to make his first Pro Bowl this season.

Starter: Clark, Robinson (H-back).

On the roster: Santi, Tamme.

On the practice squad: Cloherty. 

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• The RUNNING BACKS

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