Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) after a touchdown reception during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Colts won 35-33. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts surprised NFL Draft experts and their fanbase alike, when the team selected wide receiver Phillip Dorsett in the 1st round of last May’s draft with the #29th overall pick.
General Manager Ryan Grigson and his scouting department went with the prospect they felt was the best player available, rather than to fill a specific team need.
With T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, and Donte Moncrief already in the fold, the Colts nevertheless selected Dorsett, who they believe has superstar potential.
Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) walks off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
On the season, Dorsett has 12 receptions for 168 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown, having missed 6 games this season because of a broken ankle.
His biggest play came of the season came on a 4th quarter 35-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Andrew Luck during a Colts 35-33 comeback victory against the Tennessee Titans. While his low point came in Week 1, when he muffed two punt returns against the Buffalo Bills that resulted in fumbles.
While Dorsett has shown flashes of his ability, he really hasn’t been an impact player for the Colts during his rookie season, having only played limited snaps.
The broken ankle has certainly played a part in that, but so has the development curve for young wide receivers in general–who typically take at least 3 seasons to fully develop per the position’s gold standard.
Instead, the Colts overlooked more glaring areas of need on their roster including both the offensive line and the defense as a whole.
We’ll take a look at how some of the prospects that the Colts were rumored to be interested in and who were available at pick #29 have fared in their respective rookie seasons: