Dwayne Allen was drafted one round lower than fellow tight end Coby Fleener last year, but has emerged as the starter for the Colts. He caught 45 passes for 521 yards and three scores in 2012.
And now, even more is expected of Allen. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday that Allen "will play a big role" both as a blocker and receiver.
The former role could prove more important in a Colts offense that has plenty of receiving weapons, including Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Keeping franchise quarterback Andrew Luck upright and healthy and opening up holes for a mediocre crew of running backs could be a more critical component to Allen's job description that catching passes.