The Colts will almost certainly take at least one receiver in the draft this week, but the ones they have still need to step up in a big way in 2020.
Receiver is the biggest remaining need to fill on the Colts roster this offseason. The reason it’s such a big need is because of how poorly the group played last season. No one besides T.Y. Hilton was able to step up and provide any sort of threat down the field.
Part of that was because the receivers on the roster got destroyed by injuries. Parris Campbell, their only offensive player taken in last year’s draft, only played in 7 games because of various ailments. Hilton missed 6 games too because of his hamstring. Devin Funchess missed all but one game.
Even the receivers that were healthy had limits to them. Zach Pascal played way better than anyone thought he would, but he has limits to his size and athleticism. He isn’t a burner that can run by a corner and make a big play down the field. He’s also not going to out-jump anyone for a 50/50 ball either.
Same goes for Marcus Johnson and Daurice Fountain. Neither one of them have the speed to be effective down the field. Campbell and Hilton are both burners, but both need to stay on the field. The Colts are still missing a big-bodied receiver that can be a big threat in the red-zone.
That’s why the will likely draft at least one receiver this weekend. But the receivers on the current roster still need to all step up and play to their potential. Whoever the team drafts will still be a rookie and will have an abbreviated offseason due to the pandemic.
I expect big things from Hilton this season. Campbell should play better, but he will really show things in year three. If they can get the same production out of Pascal that they did last year, that would be a major plus as well. This group will be the key to their offense.
If the receivers play better than they did last year, this team has a chance to be really good.