INDIANAPOLIS – Rob Chudzinski is not afraid to involve a third tight end into a game plan.
If Brandon Williams does indeed secure that No. 3 tight spot for the Colts this coming season (a deep 2017 tight end draft class could offer additional competition), he could be on call for right around a dozen offensive snaps a game.
That's what Mo Alie-Cox experienced last season, playing behind Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle.
Now, with Allen gone, and the Doyle/Swoope combo bumped up a notch on the depth chart, the team has brought in Williams to compete for the No. 3 tight end spot.
That role will have a major special teams component.
"I take pride in being a great special teams player," the 29-year-old Williams says, "so I think this is a great fit for me because I can tell they focus a lot on special teams."
In playing 45 career games with Carolina, Miami and Seattle, Williams has just six career catches for 80 yards.
Williams even playing in the NFL is a feat in itself after doctors believed his gridiron career was over years ago due to a spinal condition.
But here's Williams returning to the Midwest (he was born and raised in Chicago) after stints behind some of the NFL's best tight ends.
There was Greg Olsen in Carolina.
"I learned a lot from Greg especially when I came in, being out of football for two years and then being under his wing," Williams says. "He's a great route runner, great at catching the ball and a super intelligent guy. He taught me how to be a pro and continue to perfect my craft."
And Jimmy Graham in Seattle.
"Jimmy is a great athlete, smart dude and has a great work ethic," Williams says. "Just being behind him and seeing what it takes to make it in this league (was huge)."
But a chance to work in the same room as Jack Doyle provides Williams a comparable career path to try and reach.
"I'm definitely excited to work with Jack," Williams says. "I feel like we have a lot in common. He definitely started from the bottom and worked his way up.
"Just to see what he's done throughout the years and from where he's come from is an inspiration. I'm excited to work with him."
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