Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has recently joined NFL Network, as he was warmly welcomed by fellow Miami Hurricanes wideout alum Michael Irvin on-air.
He didn’t waste time to share his “insider” fantasy football opinion on some young Colts wideouts, who were old teammates of his:
"Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts receivers Reggie Wayne (87) and T.Y. Hilton (13) celebrate after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Colts defeated the Texans 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports“I am (expecting a big year from T.Y. Hilton),” said Reggie Wayne. “He’s got his quarterback back. Every receiver wants their number one quarterback. When he’s playing with another quarterback, he’s 2.5 targets less. So now that Andrew Luck is back, I’m sure he’s smiling from ear-to-ear. He’s ready to put up T.Y. Hilton numbers that he’s been putting up.”"
In Wayne’s mind, the most impressive thing about Hilton, who served as his willing wideout apprentice from 2012-13, was not his deep speed, but rather his competitive nature and study habits in the film room:
"“He competes,” added Wayne on Hilton. “He competes. Once thing that I learned about him is he comes in and takes nothing but notes. I love that. Came in, and he asked questions. Sat aside of him. I couldn’t dodge him. Every time I tried to move from him, he’d get right aside of me (again).”“But he’s always eager to get better and learn and learn and take notes, and that’s what I love.”"
However, while Hilton should once again play at a Pro Bowl level and remain the team’s best deep threat, it might actually be Donte Moncrief according to Wayne, who will lead the team in targets as the bigger bodied possession wideout of the two talented wide receivers–offering nothing but high praise:
"Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Donte Moncrief (10) runs past Baltimore Ravens defensive back Lardarius Webb (21) and corner back Jerraud Powers (36) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports“Donte Moncrief,” answered Wayne on who’s going to lead the Colts in targets. “He’s going to be a stud in this league. You just watch. Donte Moncrief.”“He’s what you want in a wide receiver. He’s big. He’s fast. He’s physical. He can go over the middle. He can go over the top. He can make all of the big blocks against linebackers. He’s probably the least scared in that receiving room. He’s a tough guy.”"
Regardless of how the Colts receiving breakdown unfolds, it’s great to see Wayne back on national television again joining the likes of former Colts Jeff Saturday and Bill Polian on ESPN, as well as Tony Dungy on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and that man again, Peyton Manning–who’s seemingly everywhere at all times with his mainstream TV ads despite recently retiring.