The Colts’ highest graded rookie by PFF for nearly 20 years isn’t who’d you necessarily expect…
In a surprise turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen is the franchise’s highest graded rookie since 2006 by PFF:
Indianapolis Colts: TE Dwayne Allen, 2012 (85.9)
The Colts drafted quarterback Andrew Luck first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and then doubled up on tight ends in Rounds 2 (Coby Fleener) and 3 (Allen). Allen was the more productive player as a rookie, finishing fourth on the team in targets (70), receptions (49) and yards (572) and third in touchdowns (three). His 84.4 PFF run-blocking grade ranked among the top 10 tight ends for the season, as well.
As the John Mackey Award recipient during his junior year at Clemson, Allen recorded 50 receptions for 598 total receiving yards and 8 touchdown receptions during 14 starts.
The Colts selected him in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft, even after picking former Stanford standout Coby Fleener just a round earlier.
Allen had a promising start to his pro career with the Colts, as he caught 45 receptions for 521 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions during all 16 starts in 2012—even earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
Between the two top tight end prospects, Allen proved to be the more complete of the pair, with his ability to both catch and block. Both Fleener and him proved to be a formidable two tight end set for young franchise quarterback Andrew Luck.
Due to the encouraging beginning to his Colts career, Allen signed a 4-year, $29.4 million contract extension back in March of 2016.
He caught 35 receptions for 406 receiving yards and 6 touchdown receptions in 14 starts during his final season in Indianapolis, but now came with a higher salary cap hit and future Pro Bowler Jack Doyle was beginning to breakout at the position for the Colts.
Allen was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in March of 2017 for a 2017 6th and 4th round pick. He played two seasons with the Patriots before being released. He was signed and waived by the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 offseason with an injury designation.
Injuries seemed to limit some of Allen’s explosiveness and physical flexibility with the Colts, but he proved to be a solid pro tight end when fully healthy.