Colts draft: This Indiana Hoosiers prospect would be perfect for Indianapolis

Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts will likely look to draft a wide receiver at some point in 2021, as it could give new quarterback Carson Wentz some extra talent to throw to with TY Hilton and Zach Pascal potentially leaving the team in free agency.

They could stay local to find a replacement, as the Indiana Hoosiers have a few quality prospects in this class.

The Hoosiers were one of the most surprising teams in the country, as head coach Tom Allen and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. helped make Indiana one of the most complete, balanced teams in the country.

The Hoosiers have a few players that could potentially move onto the NFL, with running back Stevie Scott among them.

However, the best prospect from Indiana in this cycle is wide receiver Whop Philyor.

Given how the Colts can use someone that can make plays happen as a runner while still possessing enough speed to run a complex route tree, staying local and selecting Philyor at some point in the draft would be an excellent move by Ballard.

Indiana WR Whop Philyor could be a star with the Colts

Philyor was born to play slot receiver, as he can get separation at the line of scrimmage thanks to shifty footwork and solid top-end speed. For such a small player, he’s shown that he can pluck the ball out of the air and go over the middle. The Colts need someone Carson Wentz could target for high-percentage throws, and Philyor fits the bill.

Philyor might be limited to the slot early in his career, but he offers tons of potential for a player projected to be picked on Day 3 of the draft. His speed and explosiveness with or without the ball could help him gradually get more catches as his career advances, with a ceiling as a quality WR2 very much in play.

Philyor’s 9.2 yards per catch might get some teams concerned, as will a complete lack of size that will make it difficult for him to offer much of anything in the red zone, but those poor stats can be attested to the fact that he played the latter half of the season without Penix. With Wentz under center and Reich at the controls, Philyor’s numbers should skyrocket.

Despite the fact that the Hoosiers have turned things around under Allen, there is a minimal presence on the Indianapolis roster. Philyor could make the state proud by continuing to torch opposing defensive backs if he ends up with the Colts next year.