Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron signed with the team during the offseason looking for a fresh start after spending the first four years of his career with the Detriot Lions.

As the No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, there was constant pressure on Ebron to perform at an elite level in Detroit, and rightfully so. Having played just one full season with the team that drafted him makes it difficult to reach such a high expectation level.

With a fresh start in a new offense with a new quarterback, Ebron is living up to that potential with the Colts through the first six games of the season.

Sure, there have been some frustrating moments involving some careless drops, but Ebron has been giving the Colts more than what they bargained for when they signed him to a two-year deal worth up to $15 million.

Not only has Ebron been healthy as he’s played a heavy role in each game this season, but he’s also produced when the Colts have needed him most.

With starter Jack Doyle dealing with a hip injury since Week 3, Ebron has stepped into a massive role in the offense, especially in the red zone.

Through the first six games of the season, Ebron has recorded 30 receptions on 52 targets for 326 yards and six touchdowns.

Five of his six touchdowns on the season have come inside the opponents’ 20-yard-line.

Depending on how the late games finish in Week 6, Ebron will likely be the tight end with the sixth-most receiving yards, but he will most certainly lead the position in touchdown receptions.

Ebron’s success is an even bigger deal considering he’s been one of the only reliable pass catchers for quarterback Andrew Luck in recent weeks.

Both Doyle and star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton have missed multiple games due to injury and with the rest of the wide receiver room dealing with a case of the drops, Ebron has been there to provide security on the intermediate routes, especially on third down.

It isn’t clear what type of role Ebron will have when both Hilton and Doyle return, but the Colts should continue giving him meaningful snaps because he’s been their best offensive player not named Andrew Luck through six games.