Colts Defenders Impressed with Phillip Dorsett’s Speed

If there has been one constant story for the Indianapolis Colts since the draft, its that rookie wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is very fast. For someone who ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 4.2 seconds, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

Having spent time at a majority of the Colts practices during camp, I can confirm that Dorsett is indeed very, very fast. The most impressive thing about his speed? We have yet to see him hit highest gear. He hasn’t needed to since he’s already faster than all the defenders while running at three-fourths speed.

Why run full out and risk injury at practice when you don’t need to?

He is hardly the only fast player on the Colts roster. Dorsett is basically a clone of T.Y. Hilton, but he might just be a touch quicker.

While some of his new teammates were skeptical of his abilities, they no longer doubt the speed or skills of this young receiver. A number of players and coaches spoke with Zak Keefer at the IndyStar on Dorsett and just how good he really is.

Safety Mike Adams was beside himself when trying to cover Dorsett in camp.

"“When I first saw him on tape, I was like, ‘No, he’s not that fast,'” Adams said. “I honestly said that.”Then he saw Phillip Dorsett run through a drill at practice. Then he changed his mind.“I was like…” Adams says. Then he tells you turn off your recorder.“When I saw him open up, I said, ‘(Expletive)!’ “"

On Sunday, Dorsett burned fellow rookie D’Joun Smith for a 60-yard touchdown off a perfect pass from Andrew Luck. It was one of the few times that Dorsett has approach his true speed and left a lot of players and fans slack jawed in disbelief.

"“The first thing I said was, ‘He’s ready. He’s arrived,’ ” Adams said."

Dorsett will always draw comparisons with Hilton, especially while the two are in Colts uniforms. But Adams says there is a difference when the two at running routes.

"“When T.Y. runs fast, you can see it,” Adams said. “When Phillip runs, you can’t really see it. It’s a smooth fast. It’s effortless. It’s gliding. The way he gets out of his breaks, it’s so smooth. I haven’t seen that in a long time. I haven’t seen guys run routes like him in a while. I can’t even describe it.”"

Dorsett has been used fairly often in practice. Rotating in and out of various offensive packages and has shown he can be more than a deep receiver. Contributing in his rookie year might be a bit of a problem for Dorsett, but not due to his lack of abilities.

The Colts are loaded with receiving options, and not just at wide receiver. While Dorsett has gotten reps with the first team offense, most have come on days when Hilton or Andre Johnson have had the day off. Hilton has already built up trust with Luck, ditto for second-year receiver Donte Moncrief (as well as the tight ends). Johnson, well, he’s more than a professional and replacing Reggie Wayne almost completely (the second time he’s done so in his football career).

Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton talked about building up that relationship between Dorsett and Luck.

"“He’s a guy that our quarterback is starting to trust,” Hamilton said. “The more and more reps that he gets with Andrew, the more he will be able to contribute in our offense.”"

Dorsett has an uphill battle, not to make the roster (duh, he’s a first round pick), but to get snaps on the field. He is more than capable as a receiver, but that trust between quarterback and wide receiver will be key for his rookie season. Dorsett will get every opportunity on special teams and is already the team’s starting punt returner (which, with that speed, should not surprise anyone).

Even if it takes time, Dorsett is sure to contribute to this offense. As for Luck, Dorsett is just the newest toy in an already stocked box.