UNC alumni in the NFL: Eric Ebron has career night in loss to Patriots

Eric Ebron had a career night in the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night

The Indianapolis Colts haven’t started the 2018 NFL season the way they would have liked too but there have been some positives despite the 1-4 start.

Quarterback Andrew Luck is playing for the first time since the end of the 2016 season and he finally has some weapons around him. While T.Y. Hilton is hurt, we all know what the receiver can really do when he’s healthy. But a new player is emerging as a weapon for Luck.

Tight end Eric Ebron is putting together an impressive season in his first year with the Colts after signing with the franchise in free agency. The former University of North Carolina tight end spent four seasons in Detroit after being selected No. 10 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

After it didn’t work out in Detroit, Ebron needed a change of scenery and it’s paying off.

During the Week 5 loss at New England, Ebron put together a career day with 9 receptions for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was the first time Ebron went over 100 yards receiving in his career.

Through five games this season Ebron has 26 receptions for 255 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Colts. The 5 touchdowns tie a career high he set in 2015 while with the Lions and barring any injury, Ebron will likely eclipse that mark.

The problem with Ebron this season so far has been a few drops. He’s been targeted 45 times but has caught just 26 of those. The production will certainly go up if he can work on those drops.

For the Colts, Ebron has emerged as the go-to tight end for Luck in this offense. Going into the season he was battling with Jack Doyle for more playing time. If Ebron keeps this up, he could find himself having more success in his career with the Colts.

Check back for more on Ebron and other former UNC football players in the NFL.