According to Monday Morning Quarterback’s Peter King, the Indianapolis Colts Phillip Dorsett is one of 32 players who is in the spotlight for his respective team’s training camp and beyond:
"Indianapolis: Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver. With the Colts allowing 4.5 yards per rush in 2013, and 4.3 yards per rush last year, and with the Patriots rolling over the Colts for 177 rushing yards in the AFC title game, you’d have thought they’d have gone defensive tackle early in the draft. But no. The speedy Dorsett, who has Mike Mayock in his corner, will have to show, particularly after the departure of Reggie Wayne, that he can step in and be a factor early."
Of course, the rookie first round pick out of Miami (Fla.) had already impressed at the team’s mini-camp and OTA’s. He’s expected to be contributor right away in what figures to be a prolific passing offense with Andrew Luck and a number of other proven weapons in the fold.
May 27, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) catches a pass in OTA at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The blazing fast wideout should see reps right away as the offense’s #3 wideout, where he should split time with emerging 2nd year wideout Donte Moncrief. He figures to be a tremendous deep threat, as his rare speed threatens to “blow the top off” of opposing secondaries at all times.
There’s a chance Dorsett could also see time as a special teams returnman, where his speed would no doubt make him a dangerous possibility.
King is right in his assessment though that there will be high expectations placed on Dorsett right way on what figures to be a contending Colts team. While the defense still needs an infusion of young talent, especially along the defensive line, the Colts opted to go with the dynamic wide receiver in Dorsett instead.
Time will tell whether that was ultimately the right decision, but there will be pressure on Dorsett to be able to contribute right away, even as a rookie. By signing a number of highly regarded veterans this offseason such as Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, and Trent Cole, the Colts are clearly “all-in” for one last Super Bowl run and will be relying on Dorsett to make an impact sooner rather than later.
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