Colts 2015 Position Review: Wide Receivers

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) celebrates with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) after making a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) celebrates with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) after making a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Quan Bray (11) returns a kickoff against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Quan Bray (11) returns a kickoff against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Quan Bray

Grade: A- (as a returner)

What went right: Bray wasn’t used in the passing game this season, but did move into the active roster after Dorsett’s injury. He played in nine games this year and was a stud punt and kick returner. He averaged just under eight yards per punt and 27 yards on kickoffs. It felt like Bray would eventually break a return for a touchdown, and with more opportunity will do so next year.

What went wrong: Only that it took the Colts so long to figure out his talents as a returner. Griff Whalen was never a real option, and it was surprising he kept making the team despite being merely about average at a lot of minor things. Bray might be a bit limited as a receiver right now but isn’t any less useful than Whalen was.

Offseason expectations: Bray is a good receiver and was a bubble player to make the active roster at the end of the preseason. Now that we’ve seen his value as a returner, he should be a lock to make the team in 2016, and will basically take the place of Griff Whalen. Bray could easily be the best returner the Colts have had in a decade and could fully round out special teams, as well as give the Colts a decent fifth option at receiver.

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