The Indianapolis Colts figured they could get the most out of embattled tight end Eric Ebron, who was dealing with the aftermath of a rough four-year stretch with the team that drafted him in the first round—the Detroit Lions.

After a magical first season with the Colts that saw Ebron lead the position in touchdown receptions (13), he’s now being considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

As such, Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire listed Ebron as the fourth-best tight end in the league.

A project player in Detroit, Ebron has learned to maximize his athletic gifts in Reich’s offense. He shows excellent footwork off the line of scrimmage, his route understanding has improved, and he’s physical enough to contest defenders through any of his routes. And with his catch radius, he’s especially dangerous on boundary fades. Ebron is one of the better recent examples of what can happen to a player when he finds himself in an offense in which his value is made clear with intelligent schematic deployment.

Ebron set career-highs in receptions (66), receiving yards (750) and receiving touchdowns (13). Though he was used mostly as a receiving option when Jack Doyle was healthy and starting, he eventually stepped into the TE1 role following the latter’s season-ending injury.

The 26-year-old enters the final year of his two-year deal with the Colts. While most believe the front office should extend him to another deal, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts waited to see what his role is like when everyone is healthy before making a new deal.

The Colts offense thrived with Ebron as one of the top receiving options given his athleticism and catch radius. Where he fits into the offensive plans with Doyle returning coupled with the new additions at wide receiver remains to be seen.

But until then, Ebron will continue to be considered one of the best tight ends in the league.