The Indianapolis Colts only made one significant addition to the pass-catcher group in the offense by selecting tight end Kylen Granson in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

With new quarterback Carson Wentz coming into town, Granson will have a chance to prove himself worthy of a solid role during his rookie season. His former coaches at SMU believe he has the skill set to buck the trend of rookie tight ends struggling to make an impact quickly in the passing game.

“He’s a guy that can do so many different things that I think the coaches in Indianapolis will find a role for him and where he can fit the best and can help the team and I think he’ll just continue to get better and better at that,” SMU tight ends coach Josh Martin said via Colts.com. “I definitely think he can break that trend, there’s no question in my mind. No doubt.”

Historically, it’s not easy for a rookie tight end to come in and make an impact. It’s even more difficult for Day 3 picks, such as Granson, to do so.

Since 2011, no tight end drafted in Round 4 or later have recorded 50 receptions during their rookie season. George Kittle currently has the most since 2011 when he recorded 43 receptions in 2017. Only five in that span have recorded at least 30 receptions during their rookie season.

Granson has a clear path to be the TE3 behind Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox, but that role may not be significant enough to make a massive impact right away. And that’s okay, especially given that tight ends take time to develop anyway.

But his former coaches at SMU still believe he has the skill set to impact the passing game for the Colts almost immediately.

“He’s one of those guys where I really do think he plays legit to his speed,” SMU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley said. “He plays fast. (It was) kind of weird, you look out there, he’s outrunning some of our wideouts. In a 40-yard burst, 20-to-40-yard burst, he’s one of the better ones that I’ve been around for sure regardless of tight end or receiver.”

Granson certainly helped his stock during the spring workouts, especially during rookie minicamp where he “hit the ground running,” showing off speed and athleticism.

It will be interesting to see what kind of rookie season Granson has, but his former coaches believe his skill set translates directly to early success among tight ends.