Indianapolis Colts Receiving Core: Just Like Playing Hoops

The 2015 Indianapolis Colts receiving core is absolutely stacked from top to bottom. The projected five to make the roster resemble an all-star basketball starting lineup. The Colts have size and speed. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will have to figure out ways to utilize all five guys in the passing game. Quarterback Andrew Luck should have a monster season with all his new weapons outside the numbers.

The Colts can run the wideouts like a basketball team and go small or big. If they go small, they have two speed threats that can take the top off of a defense. T.Y Hilton and rookie Phillip Dorsett both have game-changing speed. It should be difficult for teams to double team Hilton with another burner like Dorsett on the other side.

Indy can go big with a combination of Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief, and Duron Carter. All three guys are over 6’1″ inches tall. Carter and Moncrief have speed to go along with their height. Johnson may have lost a half a step, but is still that reliable possession receiver. If the Colts put these three on the field at the same time, it will resemble a front court.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Colts defeated the Texans 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The duo that we can expect to see most of the time will be Hilton and Johnson. Having Johnson on one side will make it hard for teams to double team Hilton. Hilton and Johnson give Luck the speed and possession combination every quarterback dreams of. Johnson’s size should really come in handy in the red zone, where Luck hasn’t had a big bodied wideout to go to in the red zone during his career. Look for a lot of fade routes and box-outs in the red zone.

This may be the best formation, when Pep Hamilton dials up a five-wide set. All five of these talents on the field at once will be a sight to see. Carter at 6’5″ and his ability to stretch the field, just as he did in the CFL. Moncrief at 6’3″ with speed and a soft set of hands is on his way to becoming an every Sunday threat. Johnson at 6’2″, 228 still has the ability to use his frame to force his way open. Dorsett with a forty time of 4.24 can absolutely blaze down field. Hilton is one of the league’s best, as he eats up defenders and takes the top off of defenses.

With all the talent at receiver, one would have to ask themselves how is Luck gonna keep all of them happy. Pep Hamilton should have a busy offseason coming up with ways to use all the new weapons. This group of wide receivers mirrors a basketball starting five with its current set-up. I’m really interested to see how the team plays out of the five-wide set.

These five are the projected starters to make the roster. All of this above talent, and there’s still two really good tight ends. Not to mention, a future hall of fame running back to throw in the mix. The Indianapolis receivers should be a headache for opposing defensive coordinators every week.

Get ready for some big points and spectacular plays. Is it tip-off yet?

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